Heart

 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. 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 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1sa.16.7.ESV

Samuel was about to make a costly mistake. Thankfully God stopped him in his tracks. The king of God's people wasn't just to look impressive, he needed the right heart.

Incumbent king Saul looked the part. He was handsome and head and shoulders above everyone else. His Achilles' heel however was that he failed to obey the Lord whose people he was meant to be leading.

Some of Jesse's elder sons might have looked the part to take on the kingship of Israel. Yet it was David who God chose. He was the youngest son who shepherded Jesse's sheep.

Jesus wasn't particularly impressive looking, certainly when He laid down His life for us. Yet He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Jesus is the ultimate Davidic king after God's own heart.

'Almighty God, please help us to trust and obey You. Thank You for Christ our perfect example and Saviour. In His name, amen'

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