Devotion for Thursday, April 2, The Fifth Week in Lent
1 Samuel 16:1–13 | Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
Samuel rejected seven of Jesse’s sons as the Lord’s anointed king over Israel. Seven he said were unfit. So they had to fetch little David, out keeping the sheep. It was Samuel’s word from the Lord which made him go to such lengths: “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature…for the Lord sees not as man sees.” (v.7)
But David’s character was not the best. He would sin, and sin again. He would end up writing the great penitential psalm: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy steadfast love; according to thy abundant mercy blot out my transgressions…” (51:1)
Judging from David’s future, God was a poor judge of character. No, Samuel’s call of David means something entirely different. It means that God’s call is the only sure thing, that no human predilections, talents, or inherited gifts qualify for grace, and that God actually wanted the worst of Jesse’s sons. God’s mercy could be worked out with far more blessing to us if he chose a bounder. So God “looked on the heart?” Yes, he would soon prove to Jesus’ regal ancestor that the Father of Lights is the Friend of Sinners.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, help me to remember how you chose David.
Help me to know you have chose me too.