Passage context: The prophet Samuel has been sent to Bethlehem by the Lord to find and anoint the new King of Israel.

1 Samuel 16:6-13
“When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.”
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”
Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”
So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.
Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.”

Many years ago I read a story about an experiment conducted by a concertmaster from the St. Louis Orchestra. He was curious to see how people would react if great music came from an unlikely source. So he dressed in soiled clothes and left his hair and beard unkempt. He took on the role of a pan handler and stepped out on a street corner in the city and began to play his violin.

The result?

People loved it. In fact, they filled his violin case with an outpouring of cash. He knew he would have made hundreds of dollars, if he had continued. Even though he looked like a disheveled mess, people that walked by were moved by the music that came from the years of dedication to his love for music. He proved that appearances can be deceiving. It’s what’s inside that counts.

Samuel failed to consider this as he searched for a new King to reign over Israel. He assumed that the most impressive son of Jesse would be the one. This was Eliab. The Lord said, “No!” Eliab lacked the inner qualities that God required.

God sees people who possess inner strength and beauty, even when they lack outer qualifications.

Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be very average in appearance.

“He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at Him, no appearance that we should desire Him.” (ISA 53:2)

This is probably why Jesus had to be betrayed with a kiss (Matthew 26:48) and was mistaken for the gardener after His resurrection (John 20:14-15). Throughout His earthly ministry people had to ask the Disciples, “which one of you is Jesus?” Because the Lord was very average looking on the outside.

Jesus was known for His knowledge of Scripture, His powerful teaching, incredible compassion and love for people. His inner qualities far surpassed His outward appearance.

As you move through life today, what are you most attracted to?
The Kings of this world, or the heart of Christ.
Remember, the Lord sees what’s on the inside.
Close your eyes and praise Him.
He looks upon the heart.