some thoughts for the SISTERS

• “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance…”

Based on appearance, Samuel thought one of David’s older brothers (who were probably all tall and strong looking) would be the next king. Instead, it was the youngest son who was selected. David was so “young” (or perhaps insignificant) that his family didn’t even bother inviting him to the family gathering (1 Sam 16:11).

Based on appearance, the men who came to David (from today’s reading)—men from the outskirts of society (those in debt, distress, or discontentment)—seemed unlikely to become the most powerful army the Israelites ever had (indeed, the infamous Might Men would be among the ranks).

• “…but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Appearance is not the heart of the matter (hehe). God’s eyes ranged throughout the earth in search of hearts committed to Him (2 Chron 16:9) and chose David because he, though young, had a heart for God (Psalm 71:5 “For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth”). David stood out; he wasn’t tall or strong looking on the outside (yet), but his heart was king-size (hehe) in the eyes of the King of all kings.

And David probably helped his men to have hearts for God as well.

• Heart is what matters most

God honors those who have hearts for Him and thus, God honored David. In addition to permitting David to be an ascendant of Jesus (how cool is that!), David is the name mentioned by Jesus among the last words of the Bible (Rev 22:16).

While it is important for us to be excellent in all areas of our lives (1 Cor 13:11a, 2 Cor 8:7); such as our physical fitness (1 Cor 6:19-20), finances (Luke 16:9), and character (Prov 11:16, 1 Pet 3:3-4)… it is the health, wealth, and beauty of our HEARTS FOR GOD that matter most.

Love ya :)