“But the Lord said unto Samuel, look not on his countenance or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1Sam 16:7)
When Samuel the prophet set out to anoint a king in obedience to the instruction of God, it was obvious that he armed himself with some criteria; he thought that God would use to choose the anointed one. In the sight of Prophet Samuel, Eliab was the best qualified to occupy the most exalted seat in the land of Israel. The bible recorded that when Samuel saw Eliab he said “Surely, the Lords anointed is before him” (1 Sam 16:6b) But, God had a different plan.
Eliab might be the most handsome. He might be the most intelligent. He might even be the richest. He could also be the most influential; but God looked beyond those things.
** God was searching for a man that would depend on his creator’s leading. (2 Sam 2:1)
** God was in search of a man that does not rejoice when evil befalls his enemy. (2 Sam1:11-12)
** God was in need of a man that had God’s work at heart. (2Sam 7:24)
** He needed that man, who would not pay evil for evil. (1 Sam 24:4-7)
** He was searching for a man that would always remember where God picked him from. (2 Sam 6:21)
** He was in the lookout for a man that would accept when he is at fault and plead for forgiveness. (2 Sam 12:13)
** God’s choice was a man, who would only make his boast in the name of the Lord (1 Sam 17:45)
** He needed a kind hearted man (2Sam 9:1)
God found that man, in David. The only qualification that David had, which made God to prefer him to his brethren was his heart. David had a humble, a forgiving and repentant heart.
Even today, God is in search of a man. There could be a gifting that is hanging. There could also be a blessing waiting to be unleashed. If we can examine our hearts today and ask God to give us the right heart, then it is possible that the search may end on our doorstep.
David was a shepherd, turned king. You could be the next…….
Let us pray!
©️ Nzubechi Queen Ozabor
