Why is it that people still question others based on what they see? In first Samuel God specifically tells us that He doesn’t see as we see. He does not consider appearances or worldly qualifications.
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1Samuel 16:7)
God told Saul that He has chosen a son of Jesse to be anointed as the new king. I love that God allows for us to read the details of how the chosen is revealed. Jesse had seven sons pass before Saul, starting with the oldest and most qualified and working his way through the others, but never even considering his youngest David. Obviously David was the most unqualified for this position.
10 Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 11 And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the children?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” 12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah. (1Samuel 16:10-13)
I can only imagine what Jesse and his other sons were thinking. Imagine the conversations they probably had after the anointing. Do you think that they were mature and respectful of God’s choice? Or do you think they were frustrated and jealous, talking about how unqualified David was? How he didn’t deserve it….
In this same way we must learn to respect God’s choices. He places people in leadership roles as He chooses. Does that mean that they won’t make mistakes? Certainly not, we are all human, and destined to make mistakes. But it does mean that for us to look at someone that has been given a leadership role and say that person is too young, or too old, or not educated enough, or without experience, is wrong. We must realize in that moment that God can see something in that person’s heart that we cannot see. And we must trust Him and honor His choice.
This is very personal for me. When God called me into ministry I was what many considered too young and under-qualified. And yet God looked on me and saw something in me, and gave me favor with the leadership. Through the years that I served in ministry I constantly had to remind myself that God chose me. Not because of whom I was or what I had done, but because He believed that He could work through me. Looking back I remember how hard it was to walk that road, facing so many that were not for me.
My prayer is that we would all learn to trust God’s choices. And that we would support the people that He calls into ministry roles. They need love and support, and they deserve to be given a chance.
