“For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
Here’s the context of that verse. America was preparing to elect a new president. Whoops! No, ancient Israel was going to get a new leader because King Saul had lost God’s support. So the Lord of nations sent Samuel to anoint Saul’s successor, although Samuel had no idea who that was. Directed to Jesse’s house, Jesse’s strapping sons were brought before Samuel. All had the impressive “outward appearance” that people look for in leaders, but God directed Samuel to David, a young and still unimpressive figure. That’s the context for the verse.
Last evening’s Republican debates and the Democrat debates to come have us looking at candidates’ outward appearances. Poised? Make a good impression? Knowledgeable? Experienced? Able to rouse the spirit of the country? That’s outward appearance and that’s all we have as we look at candidates for office. Since our system of electing leaders is different than ancient Israel (We don’t have God saying, “Go anoint Donald Trump or Hilary Clinton or whomever”), we citizens better take time to look well and vote wisely.
“But the Lord looks on the heart.” Dear God, we can’t see into a candidate’s heart. History shows how You have worked behind the scenes to provide wise leaders after Your heart, like David, but history also shows that when people have rejected You, You’ve given them the leaders they’ve sadly deserved. We humbly pray that You bless the process under way that we may lead a “peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” so that more and more people will come to know You and the Mediator You have sent, Christ Jesus. Amen. (1 Timothy 2:3-5)
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