December 15: David's Lyre

1 Samuel 16:1-13 Today’s symbol is a lyre, which is a kind of harp. King David played songs of praise to God on the lyre. David was Israel’s greatest king, and he showed the people how to love and trust God. I wonder how Samuel knew which of Jesse’s sons God had chosen to be king? I wonder what it was like to come so close to God, and to have God come so close to him? I wonder how Samuel felt as he watched each of Jesse’s tall, strong, full-grown sons pass in front of him? I wonder what it was like to wait and watch for God to say, “Yes”? God said to Samuel, “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outside of a person. But the LORD looks at what is in the heart.” I wonder what God saw when he looked at David’s heart? I wonder why David was the one who could lead God’s people and help them come close to God? I wonder what God sees when he looks at my heart? Can I believe that God does not look at what people see? Can I believe that God is always looking at me with love? Wise and holy God, people look at appearances, but you look at the heart. Give us hearts that trust you to deliver us. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.