“The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go… to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.’ And Samuel said, ‘How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.’ And the Lord said, ‘Take a heifer and say, “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.” Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do…’ Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem…
“When [Jesse and his sons] came, he looked on Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.’ But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or the height of his stature… For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’ Then Jesse called Abinadab… And he said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this one.’ Then Jesse made Shammah pass by… and seven of his sons… Samuel said, ‘The Lord has not chosen these… Are all your sons here?’ And he said, ‘There remains the youngest, he is keeping the sheep…’ And he brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, ‘Arise, anoint him, for this is he.’ Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him.” 1 Samuel 16:1-4a,6-13
Samuel was a man of God. He’d early learned God’s voice and through the years faithfully proclaimed it. But he was also just a man, with fears and flesh. His consistent walk and communion with his Lord enabled him to continue as God’s prophet to perform His bidding, even when questioning and needing correction. Careful, honest hearing translates to the heart for those intent on God’s will over their own. (1 Samuel 3:1-14,19-21; 4:1a; 7:3; 8:6)
It is a temptation to talk with God and suggest how He might work, and to hear only what we want to hear from Him, even to distorting His word to fit personal desires or agenda. But the faithful servant opens himself to hear God’s word straight and unadorned, and is willing to act as He directs. He confesses doubt and fear with ears for consolation and reminding. He moves forward with each step of instruction. He trusts God’s plans and perfect will. He is open to have distorted vision corrected by heavenly lenses, and ready to be taught His ways of the heart over man’s rude and prejudiced inclinations. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
How about us? Do we have a hard time letting go of failing efforts, stewing in stubbornness or regret? Are we prone to pushing what first pops into mind, rather than considering various sides? Do we tend to easy, beautiful, effortless choices over seeking God’s best?
Where do we need the Lord to open our ears and hearts to new directions and different ideas? Would we ask Him to make us willing, then walk forward at His every word? Would we obey expectantly and watch His glorious plans unfold? (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 3:5-6)
Lord, for every errand You command, help me hear and act according to Your heart, trusting You with all results.
As the rain and snow 