The Heart of a Man

The Heart of a Man

“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 Lord looketh on the heart. ” 1 Samuel 16:7 KJV

 Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 16

Today’s reflection centers on Prophet Samuel’s experience when God told him to anoint another person to replace Saul as king over Israel because God had rejected Saul. What you might know: Saul was the first person to be selected as king over Israel. He disobeyed God on many fronts and he was interested in saving his kingdom. For instance, he led the Israelites to war but did not follow God’s instructions completely (1 Samuel 15:18). He spared King Agag’s life and brought war bounties. When prophet Samuel pointed out King Saul’s disobedience, instead of King Saul to be remorseful and ask for forgiveness, he justified his action by shifting the blame on the people of Israel. He also offered sacrifice when he was meant to wait on prophet Samuel whose responsibility was to offer the sacrifice on behalf of the people to God.

These incidents among others made God reject Saul as king over Israel. Saul was people’s pleaser rather than God-chaser. He was interested in gaining popularity among the people rather than obeying God’s instruction. At the end, God rejected Saul as King over Israel. Out of Prophet Samuel’s compassion and concern, he mourned for Saul but God told Samuel to brace up and anoint someone else as king to replace Saul.

Prophet Samuel, a well-respected oracle of God was divinely directed to the house of Jesse and he almost made the mistake of anointing Eliab king over Israel instead of David. In fact, prophet Samuel concluded already that Eliab was the right person to be anointed perhaps because of his physical stature. Prophet Samuel would have thought that the next King would be like Saul whose height and stature was remarkable. Thank God for His intervention! God cautioned him and he got it right. There are many lessons to draw from this story but I will point to two:

First, we are liable to make mistakes if we do not rely on God to direct us. Learning to listen to the Holy Spirit is fundamental to our life.

Finally, God is a respecter of no person. He abides by His word and seeks for those who are righteous and truthful. In fact, here’s how Apostle Peter puts it: “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him”(Acts 10:34-35).

Daily Confession: I choose to cultivate a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit as my Friend, Senior partner and Companion.

Hymn: The Holy Spirit is the seal,

             The foretaste, earnest, and the pledge.

             He designates us as God’s own

             And guarantees our heritage.