What does David's anointing teach about God's criteria versus human expectations? Scene to Keep in Mind • Samuel expected one of David’s older brothers to be king. • God stopped him, leading to 1 Samuel 16:12: “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” Outward Impressiveness vs. Inward Reality • 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” • Jesse’s first seven sons passed the eye test; David was left with the sheep. • God overturned human assumptions, proving that stature, résumé, and seniority are not His measuring sticks. Heart Qualifications God Honors • Humble service—David’s faithfulness with sheep (cf. Luke 16:10). • Courage—already facing lions and bears (see 1 Samuel 17:34-37). • Worship—David’s psalms sprang from private devotion (Psalm 23). • Teachability—“A man after My own heart” (Acts 13:22). Patterns Repeated Elsewhere • Joseph: youngest, sold as slave, yet lifted to Egypt’s throne (Genesis 41). • Gideon: weakest clan, least in his family, still a mighty warrior (Judges 6:15-16). • Mary: obscure teenager, yet chosen to bear the Messiah (Luke 1:48-52). • New-Covenant believers: “God chose the foolish… to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27). Take-Home Truths • God’s criteria start with the heart; cultivate integrity when no one watches. • Do not dismiss unlikely people—or yourself—because of age, status, or appearance. • Expect God to advance His purposes through ordinary settings and unnoticed faithfulness. |
    |