April 13, 2021

How Does God See People?

Overview: 1 Samuel 16-18, Luke 14:1-24

David is not the likely candidate to lead Israel, but God has Samuel anoint him as king. As David defeats Goliath, wins battles, and wins the heart of the people, think about why David experiences such success against all odds.    

In Luke 14, Jesus challenges human nature and gives a beautiful picture of the kingdom of God. As He eats at a ruler’s table, He describes how people should resist honoring themselves and those who can give in return.

Observation and Activation

“For the LORD sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” - 1 Samuel 16:7

The oil poured on David symbolized the Spirit of God as the Spirit “rushed upon David.” The Spirit of the Lord is with David and has departed from Saul. 

Today’s passages challenge our human nature. The “poor and crippled and blind and lame” have a place at His table. Do you see people as the world does, or as God does?