The Leadership ChallengeSample

Challenge 15

DAVID: GOD READS THE HEART

READ: 1 Samuel 16:1–13

In our last reading, we saw Samuel anointing Saul after God’s people demand a king. Unfortunately, Saul chooses not to obey, and God removes him from power (see 1 Samuel 15). God sends Samuel to the family of Jesse in Bethlehem to find Saul’s replacement. Samuel is impressed by the look of Jesse’s tall oldest son, but the Lord instructs the prophet to look deeper, for “man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (verse 7, ESV). Samuel reviews seven of Jesse’s sons, but none are God’s choice, so he asks if there has been an oversight. The smallest son is missing. David is then brought in from the fields and the Lord selects him to be Israel’s next king.

What qualities do we look for in leaders, according to the passage? When leaders work with team members, it is easy to focus on external factors, but our passage reminds us that appearances can be deceiving. Only God can know the heart. We need discernment. Is there ever a place to consider appearances? In what ways do people reveal their hearts?