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. (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV)
In the weeks leading up to the 2016 Ryder Cup, speculation centered on who Captain Davis Love III would choose for the team. The top eight players in point rankings were automatic picks, but Love had the opportunity to select four more players.
In early September, Love’s first three selections were announced: J.B. Holmes, Rickie Fowler, and Matt Kuchar. All three had Ryder Cup experience and were tenth, eleventh, and twelfth on the points list, respectively, so there was logic to Love’s picks.
But some people were surprised about who wasn’t picked: Bubba Watson. After all, he was 9th on the points list, a two-time major winner, and the 7th-ranked player in the world. His omission was surprising, but some people reasoned Watson might still be the final choice to be revealed later in the month. But when the time came, it was Ryan Moore instead of Bubba.
Captain Love was not looking at the statistics most people looked at. For him, it was about finding the player that fit best with the team, the right guy that would allow them to meet the task at hand.
When the Ryder Cup was over, the US hoisted the trophy at Minnesota’s Hazeltine National by a margin of 17-11. While some criticized Love’s selection of Moore over Watson, you can’t argue with the results. Moore ended up with a 2-1-0 record, tied for second-most points on the American team. Ryan clinched the Cup in Sunday singles by closing Lee Westwood on the 18th hole.
The Old Testament book of 1st Samuel likewise contains a story about a surprising choice. Saul had previously been anointed as the first king of Israel, but after a good start, he refused to obey God’s commands, prompting the search for a new king. God instructed Samuel to visit Jesse the Bethlehemite, indicating that the new king would be one of Jesse’s sons.
When Samuel arrived, Jesse invited his sons to meet him. Eliab was first tall and handsome, and on seeing him, Samuel thought, “This is the guy.” But God, seeing what Samuel was thinking, corrected him, “Do not consider his appearance or 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.
Six other sons were introduced, but the Lord rejected each one, prompting Samuel to ask if any other sons existed. There was one more, Jesse’s youngest, who was outside keeping the sheep, a lad named David.
When he was called in, the Lord told Samuel, “Arise and anoint him, for this is he.” The Spirit of the Lord rushed on David from that day forward, and he became Israel’s greatest king and one of the heroes of the Old Testament.
When God considers how you can accomplish His purposes, he won’t look at your appearance, wealth, status, or any outward indicators. He will look to your heart. Pray that God gives you a clean heart and obedience to serve when called.
Prayer: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10