Today everything is based on image. Perception is reality. Don’t be fooled by appearances. Unfortunately for most people, if you scratch just a little bit, what you find under the surface isn’t the image you have seen. People spend hours getting the perfect selfie that reflects the light just right and hides the flaws. It gets the likes and comments you desire, but behind it all is something entirely different.
1 Samuel 16:13
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.”
God Sees Our Heart
Being the youngest son of a large family David wasn’t even considered when Samuel came to town. In fact, even Samuel was enticed by the image of David’s brothers. God had to remind Samuel that he saw underneath the surface, right to the heart, and these older, more accomplished brothers didn’t measure up to the one watching the sheep. We have to remember that God doesn’t look at us the same way that people do. He sees our heart and is most concerned what state that is in.
Looking for Faithful People
Samuel asked Jesse if there were any other sons and Jesse sent for the one in the fields. When David arrived, Samuel took the anointing oil and poured it over David’s head. Those rejected by man are often chosen by God. The Holy Spirit comes upon David from that day on, he was faithful and was used powerfully by the Lord. If you are out amongst the sheep and no one is noticing you, don’t worry, God sees you. He is looking for faithful people he can place his Holy Spirit upon to use in a powerful way. Seek that instead of the praise of people.