CHOSEN BUT NOT YET CROWNED - GOD LOOKS AT THE HEART

CHOSEN BUT NOT YET CROWNED – GOD LOOKS AT THE HEART

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-23

Supporting Texts: Psalm 75:6-7, Jeremiah 17:10, Proverbs 4:23, Matthew 23:27-28, 2 Corinthians 10:18

INTRODUCTION:
When God rejects one man, He begins preparing another. The fall of Saul in the previous chapter sets the stage for the emergence of David—a man after God's own heart. Yet, even as David is chosen and anointed, he is not immediately crowned. This shows us that divine selection is often followed by a period of waiting, refining, and preparation before manifestation.

In 1 Samuel 16, we are introduced to one of the most important truths in the kingdom of God: man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. Samuel, though a seasoned prophet, nearly anointed the wrong person based on physical appearance. God interrupted his assumptions with a divine principle that still speaks today—true greatness begins in the heart.

David’s story reminds us that God’s choice is not always man’s preference. God does not promote based on charisma, size, or status, but on inward character and alignment with His will. David was in the field when others were parading before the prophet, but destiny found him. Your location does not disqualify you when your heart is right with God.

1. GOD MOVES ON FROM REJECTED VESSELS TO RAISE NEW ONES
When divine purpose shifts, God wastes no time in positioning the next vessel. His work never stops with one man.

a) God Told Samuel to Stop Mourning Over Saul (1 Samuel 16:1)
There is a time to grieve, but there is also a time to rise and move forward with God’s plan. God had already chosen another.

b) Divine Assignments Continue Despite Human Failures
Though Saul failed, God’s purpose for Israel remained. No man’s disobedience can frustrate God’s sovereignty.

c) Samuel Was Sent to Jesse’s House in Bethlehem
The next king was not in the palace but in the pasture. God often hides greatness in humble places.

d) Fear of Saul Made Samuel Hesitate (1 Samuel 16:2)
Even prophets can be intimidated, but God gives wisdom to carry out His will without compromise.

Biblical Example: After Elijah ran from Jezebel, God instructed him to anoint Elisha—because divine plans must continue (1 Kings 19:15–16).

2. GOD DOES NOT JUDGE BY APPEARANCE BUT BY HEART CONDITION
In divine selection, what God sees in the heart weighs more than what men see on the outside.

a) Samuel Saw Eliab and Thought, “Surely This is the One” (1 Samuel 16:6)
His appearance impressed the prophet, but God rejected him. Spiritual discernment must override natural perception.

b) “Man Looks at the Outward Appearance, but the Lord Looks at the Heart” (1 Samuel 16:7)
This verse reveals a foundational principle of divine leadership: inner life outweighs outer strength.

c) All Seven Sons Passed Before Samuel, But None Was Chosen (1 Samuel 16:10)
Sometimes, God will bypass every human option to highlight His own. Divine choice doesn't follow public logic.

d) The Heart is the Throne Where God Looks Before He Places Crowns
Character, humility, and obedience are the weights that tip God’s scales—not height, talent, or appearance.

Biblical Example: Jesus commended the poor widow who gave two mites because He saw the sacrifice in her heart, not the amount (Mark 12:41–44).

3. GOD LOCATES HIS CHOSEN VESSELS EVEN IN OBSCURE PLACES
Being overlooked by men does not mean you are overlooked by God. Divine favour finds the faithful in hidden places.

a) David Was Not Invited to the Anointing Ceremony (1 Samuel 16:11)
Even his father didn’t consider him a candidate. But divine election does not require human endorsement.

b) “We Will Not Sit Until He Comes”
The oil would not flow until David arrived. Destiny waits for no one else when you are the chosen one.

c) David Was Ruddy, With a Beautiful Countenance (1 Samuel 16:12)
He had no kingly stature like Saul, but he had something greater—a heart aligned with heaven.

d) God Sees Faithfulness in the Field Before He Announces You in the Palace
David’s shepherding was his preparation ground. God honours hidden diligence.

Biblical Example: Joseph was forgotten in prison by man, but remembered by God in Pharaoh’s palace (Genesis 41:14).

4. ANOINTING IS THE BEGINNING OF DIVINE PROCESS, NOT THE END
Receiving oil is not the arrival—it's the initiation into God's refining journey. Anointing activates assignment but not immediate elevation.

a) Samuel Took the Horn of Oil and Anointed David (1 Samuel 16:13)
This marked the beginning of David’s journey to the throne. He was chosen, but not yet enthroned.

b) “The Spirit of the Lord Came Upon David From That Day Forward”
He received divine empowerment, but the journey ahead would be filled with tests, warfare, and waiting.

c) Saul Was Still King, But the Spirit Departed From Him (1 Samuel 16:14)
The anointing shifted from the palace to the pasture. When God moves, position may remain—but power transfers.

d) The Process Between Anointing and Crowning Shapes the Vessel
David still had battles to fight, caves to hide in, and enemies to confront. Oil doesn’t exempt us from trials.

Biblical Example: Jesus was baptised and filled with the Spirit, yet led into the wilderness for testing before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1).

5. GOD STRATEGICALLY INTRODUCES HIS CHOSEN INTO THE SYSTEM
Before kingship, comes exposure. God allows divine candidates to serve in places that prepare them for rulership.

a) Saul’s Troubled Spirit Made Way for David’s Introduction (1 Samuel 16:15–17)
Even in Saul’s fall, God opened a door for David. The very system that rejected him became the stage for his rising.

b) David Was Recommended Because of His Skill and Character (1 Samuel 16:18)
His reputation had gone ahead of him—he was skilful, valiant, wise, and had the Lord with him.

c) David Entered Saul’s Palace as a Harpist, Not as a King
God’s pathway to the throne often begins in humility. David came to serve, not to seize the crown.

d) Saul Loved David and Made Him His Armourbearer (1 Samuel 16:21)
Even Saul, unknowingly, helped raise the man who would replace him. God’s plans are unshakable.

Biblical Example: Esther was strategically positioned in the palace through divine favour, long before the threat that required her intervention (Esther 2:17; 4:14).

CONCLUSION:
David’s anointing in 1 Samuel 16 teaches us that God’s standards are not the same as man’s. He chooses the humble, the hidden, the faithful, and the pure in heart. David had no status, but he had substance. No crown, but he carried character. His anointing marked him as heaven’s choice, though earth had not yet recognised him.

We must learn to value the heart over appearance, the process over promotion, and the presence of God over public affirmation. You may be chosen, but not yet crowned. The oil is upon you, but the time of enthronement is still unfolding. Remain faithful in the field, for the One who called you is preparing your throne.