Pastor's Corner

David's brothers appeared before Samuel who called them present to choose from them a new King. David wasn't among them. He was faithfully out guarding the sheep. Though Samuel thought the Lord wanted a particular brother to be anointed because of his stature and appearance, the Lord said no. Finally, Samuel asked if someone was missing and David was brought in. Samuel understood why he was initially wrong about who would be anointed. He said, "Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7).

Samuel anointed David to be King because David had a heart for God that sought Him, loved Him, worshiped Him, and desired to obey Him. The brothers were impressive in stature and appearance but David's heart was brighter than theirs because He wanted the Lord.

The world around us would have us dazzled by the appearance of fame, wealth, powerful position, and success. Yet God looks on the heart. Much like water flows to the lowest places, the Lord looks upon the humble who love Him. He showers them with a fountain of joy and life. We are encouraged to humble ourselves before the Lord and (like David) the Lord will exalt us in due time. We can pray and ask the Lord for the gift of humility and a heart that seeks to love Him and others. The Lord will answer our prayer.