Devotional

Looking Deeper

Michael Beck

“… 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)

Men look for outward signs of success. They get excited when they hear noise and see crowds. They mistake show for substance. They choose quantity over quality. They think bigger is better. But God sees deeper. He knows what is happening within. He looks for fidelity to Him and His Word. His eyes search for hearts that are perfect toward Him (2 Chron. 16:9).

All that men glory in is as the flower of the field which the Spirit of the Lord blows upon. But where the whole Word of God is honored and taught and obeyed there is a root system being established that will last into eternity. We are called to make disciples who observe all our Lord taught. Holding revivals may be a start, but do not fulfill the great commission.

May God give us eyes to see as He sees, and value what He values. Even the prophet Samuel was impressed by the strapping sons of Jesse: “… Surely the LORD’S anointed is before him.” (1 Sam. 16:6) But God’s eyes were on the heart of one young lad in a hidden valley. What attracts men does not attract God. He sees beyond the show, to the most secret places of the soul; and there He would establish a heart of true worship and love toward Him. If we would not be seduced by false appearances we must hunger and thirst for what God is ultimately after. He is a God of truth and is looking for genuine worshippers. Such are not always found in the midst of raised hands and voices.


Michael Beck is a pastor in the Dallas, TX area and the main author on Signpost. Receive a daily devotional he publishes every morning via email.