Ken Hemphill wrote a very interesting book, “But God.” He decided to go through the Bible and look for the phrase “but God.” He called this study “bite-sized” theology, where he explains the use of the term “but God” as it applies to our lives.
He selected from 1 Samuel 16:7, “Man does not see what God sees, for man sees what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.” The point here is that God sees our hearts.
“You can’t tell a book by its cover” and “big gifts come in small packages” are both sayings that communicate a similar sentiment. We are often guilty of making superficial judgments based on appearance. We make snap judgments about people based on their size, looks, clothes or address. And we are certainly not the first ones in history to do so.
God had rejected Saul as king and had commissioned Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel. So God instructed him to go to a man named Jesse in Bethlehem, being simply told, “You are to anoint for me the one I indicate to you,” (1 Samuel 16:3).
Samuel began to search for the next king with these of his own insight. Eliab, Jesse’s firstborn, came before Samuel. He was immediately impressed with Eliab’s appearance and stature. He thus concluded: certainly the Lord’s anointed one is here before him (16:6). He was, after all, the firstborn son and apparently had the look of a king.
Before a single drop of anointing oil could spill onto Eliab’s head, the Lord made it clear to Samuel that the Lord looks at the purity of a man’s heart over his physical appeal.
Jesse then called his other sons in consecutive order, they were all rejected. Samuel then asked, “Are these all the sons you have,” (16:11). There was one, the youngest, but he was tending to the sheep. Could the least of all be the one chosen by God for greatness?
It is important to remember that God is looking for servants with a big heart. You may not think you are kingdom quality. None of your friends may have selected you for greatness. David’s father didn’t even invite him to the sacrifice. But when you have been selected by the King of the Universe, that should be enough.
Always remember, “but God knows our hearts.” So set your heart upon the Lord and He will use you in a wonderful way.
Dr. David Bouler of Global Faith Ministries, Chattanooga, Tennessee, contributed this column to the Journal Review. He can be reached by email at debouler@aol.com.
