1 Samuel 16

“When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, ‘Certainly the Lord’s anointed one is here before Him.’ But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have rejected him. Man does not see what the Lord sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees his heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:6-7 (HCSB)

Most of us have a job or have been employed at one time. Personally, I can’t stand to be interviewed for a job. You feel so…judged. And you ARE being judged. That’s the point of the interview!

Many years ago, about the time when my band outgrew our van and we began traveling on a tour bus, it became apparent we needed to hire a road crew. It was the first time I had ever been on the other side of the negotiating table. Instead of searching for employment, I was the employer. Let me tell you, if you’ve never hired anyone, it isn’t as easy as it looks! That is especially true if you hire people to manage your personal assets. You want employees who are honest, competent, and gracious team players. Let’s just say I learned (the hard way) that you can’t judge a book by its cover.

The same is true for personal relationships. I doubt anyone sitting in Divorce Court feels they conducted a thorough character analysis of their mate before tying the knot. As for guys, the thought process leading up to marriage is generally: 1) She looks good, 2) She digs me. (Repeat, if necessary.) Ladies may be a little more discriminating than that, but I’m pretty amazed at what kind of guys some of you gals settle for.

Don’t you wish you had the eyes of God? He looks beyond external beauty and searches the depths of the heart.

“I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem because I have selected a king from his sons.” 1 Samuel 16:1b (HCSB)

While Samuel was mourning over Saul’s sin and Israel’s future, God was personally searching the hearts of every Israelite. Today, there are still those who grieve over the future of the Church at large. I admit the forecast doesn’t look good. Every year, we lose more old soldiers of the faith, and it seems we have fewer recruits of Godly character to replace them. Our prayers go forth, “Who will take their place?” The Lord answers, “I have selected them already!”

Have you considered that God is searching your heart at this very moment? What do you think He sees? What role has He prepared for you, based on the evidence of His search? Are you on track to become a Saul or a David? A Jezebel or a Ruth? In many ways, the choice is up to you because He chooses to lift up those who choose Him.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)