1 Samuel 16 tells of a change coming in Israel’s leadership. Instead of a democracy like we might think of, God’s eyes are the ones looking and choosing.
To Think About:
- God sends Samuel to a family whose dad’s name is Jesse. Jesse had eight sons. From these sons would come Israel’s next king. Read 1 Samuel 16:6-10. From what you read, what does it appear Samuel was physically seeing that he thought would be qualities of the next king? When you think of the physical traits of a strong leader, do any of those match what you said Samuel was looking for?
- Read 1 Samuel 16:11-13. What about David seemed to make him an unlikely choice for Samuel? What physical trait might make you hesitate to believe someone can lead others?
- Reread 1 Samuel 16:7. What does it mean that God looks at the heart? What all do you believe God sees when he sees the heart? How would you describe your own heart? How would others describe your heart?
To Live Out:
They say you only have one chance to make a first impression. Fortunately for us, God is a God of second chances. He goes much deeper than what we first see in someone else. Remember that the next time you are confident that someone always _________ or you believe they should never __________ . Instead of seeing with your own eyes, you should see others like God does.
To Pray About:
- Thank God for how he sees you – all of you. And seeing you, he still loves you anyway.
- Ask God to forgive when you’ve jumped to the wrong conclusion about someone.
- In Jesus’ name, pray that you might have eyes to see others as Jesus himself did. He saw with so much love that he was willing to die for everyone – even you.
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