Reading: 1st Samuel 16:1-13

1st Samuel 16:7b – “God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the Lord sees into the heart.”

In our Old Testament reading we go with Samuel to Bethlehem. God is sending the prophet there to anoint Israel’s next king. Saul is still king, but God is no longer pleased with Saul. It’s dangerous to anoint the next king while the current king is ruling. God is with Samuel, though. Following God’s instructions, Samuel arrives at Jesse’s house. Jesse’s line will bring Israel its next king.

Eliab, the oldest son, stands front and center. Looking at him, Samuel thinks he’s the one. Eliab’s appearance and stature must’ve impressed Samuel. But God informs Samuel, “God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the Lord sees into the heart.” Ah, the heart – that is what truly matters. Samuel gets it. It is Samuel that passes over the next six sons. None have the heart to be a great king. So he asks if there are any more sons. The one out tending the sheep is brought in – the youngest. God says, “That’s the one.” David is anointed as Israel’s next king. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him.

Considering the lesson in today’s passage, we must first ask ourselves: Who do we overlook? To get at the root of it, we must also ask: Who do we judge by appearance or reputation or position? From this place of reflection, we must next ask: To really accept and practice God’s invitation to see into the heart, what needs to change in us? And, lastly, again reflecting on our own heart, we must ask: Who is missing in our churches, on our leadership teams, at our fellowship tables that should be there for our communities of faith to truly reflected our neighborhoods and the kingdom of God?

Prayer: Lord God, the Eliab’s of this world are easy to see – they usually make sure of it. The David’s are harder to see. The right heart, the one humbly doing what needs done – they are the ones we often have to look for. So, Lord, open our eyes and guide our hearts to see these servants. Then, Lord, remove our preconceived notions and ideas. Send us out into the fields and streets and marketplaces, seeking to include all people in our communities of faith and in your beloved kingdom. Amen.