You are the prophet Samuel; God has sent you to anoint the next king of Israel but God didn’t tell you this man’s name. How are you to recognize God’s chosen king? The Lᴏʀᴅ narrows the candidates down to those of Bethlehem, then down to the family of Jesse. Thinking that would simplify the task, Samuel invites Jesse and his sons to the sacrifice Samuel is preparing. Jesse comes with seven sons and Samuel immediately seizes upon the eldest as the next king as he appears kingly. God redirects Samuel’s perception:
Oops. New standard—not by appearance, stature or comparison to others but ‘the Lᴏʀᴅ looks on the heart,’ the inner character which will agree with the Lᴏʀᴅ. Samuel looks over each of the seven sons and God confirms that each one is not God’s choice. Has Samuel not heard right, is the next king not a son of Jesse?
Samuel pauses and asks Jesse, ‘Are all your sons here?’ to which Jesse responds that the youngest is out tending sheep. Of course. A shepherd shall be king. David is called in, anointed by Samuel and begins God’s journey to kingship.
How confident are you of what God sees when He looks on your heart? Does God see in you the desire to be agreeable with God? He desires to equip, prepare, disciple and walk with you if your heart is open to Him.