You might give Saul and his army a passing grade for their actions. But they get a failing grade for how their hearts are aligned with God’s intent. Hence: “to obey is better than sacrifice.” Note the excuses. Do you make deals with Yahweh (“I go to church on Sundays for you, so I think it only fair you bless me”) or do you seek to align with what Yahweh is up to?
**Samuel 16:1–13**
All our measures, interviews and psychological tests can’t determine a good king. Even Samuel didn’t see it. Yahweh was looking for the heart alignment missing in Saul. Are there people who you’ve allowed to influence you? Do you listen for their heart posture?
Can you imagine a fallen public figure writing such a poem today and then making it public? What would your reaction be? Would you think see that person as an example of contrition and dependence on Yahweh that you could learn from?
Israel will be brought back to their land but not because they deserve. And God himself will place his spirit in their hearts to give them soft hearts (v 26). Does this give you hope?
The gift of the Holy Spirit wanting to live in us means we can also have the heart of David. Does that give you hope? Are you becoming someone “after God’s own heart?”