GOD’S QUALIFICATIONS VERSUS MAN’S QUALIFICATIONS
JUNE 9, 2026
TEXT: “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature… for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
God became tired of Saul’s constant disobedience and felt He had had enough. Consequently, He directed His beloved servant, Prophet Samuel, to go and anoint a chosen king, who turned out to be David, the youngest of the eight sons in Jesse’s household.
When Samuel got to Jesse’s house, his natural instinct prompted him to anoint Eliab, the eldest son, as he looked huge, muscular, and physically qualified for the role of a king. However, God discountenanced him. The same episode repeated itself with Abinadab, Shammah, and the other sons, excluding David. Samuel was confused and asked if Jesse had any other son. It was at that juncture that Jesse finally “remembered” David. I pray for us as we read this piece that any satanic power that has hidden us from manifesting shall receive an angelic slap, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!
David was promptly sent for, and when he came, he looked so youthful and innocent, but God prompted Samuel to anoint him, declaring that he was the chosen one.
The story of David is a very intriguing one indeed. It illustrates the sovereignty of God in decision-making and how His ways are not our ways. Most of the factors we tend to consider in making certain decisions may be jettisoned by God in favour of His own choice, thereby displacing our proposals.
Back in our secondary school days, it was almost a general consensus that any would-be senior prefect boy was expected to be huge, imposing, and tall. These are human traits and expectations. Just as we have our own specifications, which are mostly superficial in nature, so also does God have His specifications. Man focuses on physical appearance, societal standing, wealth and influence, level of education, etc. However, God usually considers factors and virtues such as integrity, humility, faithfulness, and commitment. God is more concerned about the inner you than the outer you (1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 17:10).
God does not joke with faithfulness at all. Before David was even considered as king, he had served his biological father faithfully by watching over the sheep in the cold, harsh conditions of the wilderness, left at the whims and caprices of dangerous beasts such as lions and bears. This serves as a call to believers that we cannot jump protocol. To be served, you must have served. There is no elevation without prior sacrificial and dedicated service to God or even to humanity.
The world looks for talent, near-perfection, influence, and charisma, but God is after humility, commitment to the Holy Spirit, faithfulness, and obedience. God is looking for ready vessels rather than perfect vessels. He must perfect our imperfections, but He needs us to surrender meekly to His leading.
SEARCHLIGHT: God mainly desires what we have in our hearts rather than what we have in our hands.
PRAYER: O LORD, make me a worthy and qualified vessel for Your use, in Jesus’ mighty name.
BIBLE READING: Esther 6–8, James 1
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
