Connect Psalm 78:70 with 1 Samuel 16:7 on God's perspective in choosing leaders. Connecting the Two Verses “He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds.” “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.’” What Stands Out • Same event, two vantage points—history (Psalm 78) and the moment itself (1 Samuel 16). • God’s initiative: “He chose David.” • God’s criterion: “the LORD sees the heart.” • Calling emerges from hidden faithfulness in “sheepfolds,” not from public acclaim. A Shepherd’s Heart Over a Soldier’s Look • David’s brothers had the stature of warriors; David had the heart of a worship-filled shepherd (1 Samuel 16:6–11). • God values internal qualities formed in ordinary duties—courage, humility, tenderness (cf. Luke 16:10). • Shepherd imagery carries forward: David’s leadership mirrors God’s care (Psalm 78:71-72; John 10:11). The Divine Pattern in Choosing Leaders 1. God initiates the choice (John 15:16). 2. He examines motives and character, not résumé size (Proverbs 21:2; Jeremiah 17:10). 3. He equips the called—Spirit comes mightily on David after anointing (1 Samuel 16:13). 4. He uses unlikely people to display His power (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Lessons for Today • Faithfulness in small, unseen tasks prepares us for larger influence. • Outward qualifications matter, yet they never override heart integrity. • Discernment in selecting leaders must align with God’s criteria—seek evidence of a shepherd’s heart, not just charisma (John 7:24). • Confidence rests in God’s ongoing gaze: “The eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). Encouragement to Walk It Out Stay steady in your current “sheepfold.” Serve with integrity, worship wholeheartedly, and trust the God who still chooses leaders by looking straight at the heart. |
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