A part of the problem (a
big part, truth be told) in this unfortunate episode was the difference in
perspective between how God looks at people and how we look at people. To use
Yahweh’s words, “man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the
heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). From a human perspective, Saul’s outward aspect
appeared to make him a suitable candidate to rule Israel. From God’s
perspective, there was little to commend him. This became evident as Saul’s reign
unfolded. He lacked a proper reverence for and submission to God, as well as
lacking a desire to heed and not rebel against God’s word. These were the
faults substantiating God’s rationale for rejecting Saul’s kingship. Yahweh was
seeking a man after his own heart, and that would be a man who had a heart for
him.
How can we develop a heart
for God? Of primary importance is developing our ability to see as God sees. By
God’s grace, this will involve our eyes being opened to at least three things:
that our hearts are corrupted by sin and inherently predisposed to Saul’s
failings; that Jesus is the one whom God sent to save us from the fate of Saul;
and, that how people appear is not as important as who they are, the contours
of their heart being more important than the contours of their body.
God rejected Saul. But he
had another ready to take his place. This one would be a man of his choosing
and one who would prove, despite many failings, to have a heart for him.
