top of page
Search

Morning Devotional 091323 Look Into Your Heart

lizpetry

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

September 13, 2023


1 Samuel 16:1-13


1 The LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to grieve over Saul? I have rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem because I have found my next king among his sons.” 2 “How can I do that?” Samuel asked. “When Saul hears of it he’ll kill me!” “Take a heifer with you,” the LORD replied, “and say, ‘I have come to make a sacrifice to the LORD.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will make clear to you what you should do. You will anoint for me the person I point out to you.” 4 Samuel did what the LORD instructed. When he came to Bethlehem, the city elders came to meet him. They were shaking with fear. “Do you come in peace?” they asked. 5 “Yes,” Samuel answered. “I’ve come to make a sacrifice to the LORD. Now make yourselves holy, then come with me to the sacrifice.” Samuel made Jesse and his sons holy and invited them to the sacrifice as well. 6 When they arrived, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, That must be the LORD’s anointed right in front. 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Have no regard for his appearance or stature, because I haven’t selected him. God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the LORD sees into the heart.” 8 Next Jesse called for Abinadab, who presented himself to Samuel, but he said, “The LORD hasn’t chosen this one either.” 9 So Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “No, the LORD hasn’t chosen this one.” 10 Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD hasn’t picked any of these.” 11 Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Is that all of your boys?” “There is still the youngest one,” Jesse answered, “but he’s out keeping the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel told Jesse, “because we can’t proceed until he gets here.” 12 So Jesse sent and brought him in. He was reddish brown, had beautiful eyes, and was good-looking. The LORD said, “That’s the one. Go anoint him.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him right there in front of his brothers. The LORD’s spirit came over David from that point forward. Then Samuel left and went to Ramah.

Good Morning. Look up and praise God!


This passage seems to cycle around often in the Upper Room magazine. Typically, when I read this, I focus on the anointing of David, the youngest son of Jesse. This is appropriate, and we learn that God sees past our outward appearance and looks at our hearts to consider who we are.

Today, however, I want to focus on Samuel. Samuel was led by and served God as a prophet, priest, judge, and even a military leader. Samuel, directed by God, anointed Saul as ruler of the Israelites, and Samuel served as Saul’s advisor. Saul became consumed with his power and began to worship his power instead of God. After many acts of defiance, God rejects Saul, as is contained in the previous two chapters of Samuel.


God then tells Samuel to gather his things and go to Jesse because God has found the next king among Jesse’s sons. Samuel is understandably worried because Saul is still powerful, and Samuel fears that he will take vengeance on him. Samuel, God’s servant, sets forth as he is directed, finds David, and anoints him as God has called him to do.


David does not immediately become king after this anointing. Samuel has set him apart or marked him for his future greatness. David, an ordinary person, goes back to herding the sheep. From this point forward, God is at work helping David learn and mature into the one God sees in his heart.

Through the Holy Spirit, God is at work in our lives every day, preparing us for what God calls us to do. Some will be called quickly, but many will be like David, living ordinary lives as they are molded into what God sees within us. God knows who we are before we know ourselves.

Loving God, We love you! You are our Creator, and we have a place in your plan. Help us listen and work as You direct us. Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen


Thought for the day: I will be honest with God, who already knows my heart.


Celebrate your life in Christ! Pastor Liz


15 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Morning Devotional 020825 Abundant Blessings

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room   Feb. 8, 2025 Deuteronomy 11:8-15 8 So keep every part of the commandment...

Morning Devotional 020725 Use Your Tools

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room   Feb. 7, 2025 Psalm 146:1-10 1 Praise the LORD! Let my whole being praise...

Comments


Post: Blog2_Post

8045868615

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Have a beautiful day! Pastor Liz

bottom of page