DAY 13
GOD CHOOSES A NEW KING
Do not consider how handsome or tall he is. I have not chosen him. I do not look at the things people look at. Man looks at how someone appears on the outside. But I look at what is in the heart.
-1 Samuel 16:7
PAUSE
Israel’s first king, Saul, was tall and handsome—the kind of person who seemed perfect for the role based on outward appearances. To the people of Israel, he looked like a king. However, God made it clear that His choice of leaders is based not on outward appearance but on the character of the heart.
King Saul struggled with deep insecurity, and his new role as king brought his personal challenges to the surface. Although he began his reign well, his lack of integrity eventually caught up with him. Saul was unable to address the inner issues holding him back, and this ultimately led to his downfall.
When it comes to leadership, character matters most. This is why David was chosen to succeed Saul as king of Israel. David’s heart was devoted to the Lord, and he had the integrity needed to lead God’s people.
What about in your own life? Where do you invest your time and energy? Is it focused on external appearances or on building your inner character? Since God values the heart above all else, how should that shape the way you prioritize your efforts?
DISCUSSION
Why do you think God values the character of the heart more than outward appearances when choosing leaders?
What can we learn from King Saul’s struggles with insecurity and lack of integrity? How can we avoid similar pitfalls in our own lives?
David was chosen as king because of his heart for the Lord and his integrity. What qualities do you think are most important for someone in a leadership role, and why?
How can we focus more on building our inner character rather than just our outward appearance or achievements? What practical steps can we take to align our priorities with God’s?
PRAY
Thank You, God, that You see our hearts and chose Jesus to be our Forever King. Help us to love people like you do. Thank You, God that You have a plan and You know best even when we don’t understand.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find an ornament that corresponds with today’s content - God Chooses a New King. Then hang your thirteenth ornament on the tree.
Family memories: Get 2 bananas. One needs to be really green on the outside and the other needs to be speckled brown and have a few bruises. Identify which one is sweetest. Then discuss how God looks at our heart not the outside. Take a photo or video of your family activity or putting your 13th ornament on your Advent tree. Post your pictures or videos to the facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch!
Do not consider how handsome or tall he is. I have not chosen him. I do not look at the things people look at. Man looks at how someone appears on the outside. But I look at what is in the heart.
-1 Samuel 16:7
PAUSE
Israel’s first king, Saul, was tall and handsome—the kind of person who seemed perfect for the role based on outward appearances. To the people of Israel, he looked like a king. However, God made it clear that His choice of leaders is based not on outward appearance but on the character of the heart.
King Saul struggled with deep insecurity, and his new role as king brought his personal challenges to the surface. Although he began his reign well, his lack of integrity eventually caught up with him. Saul was unable to address the inner issues holding him back, and this ultimately led to his downfall.
When it comes to leadership, character matters most. This is why David was chosen to succeed Saul as king of Israel. David’s heart was devoted to the Lord, and he had the integrity needed to lead God’s people.
What about in your own life? Where do you invest your time and energy? Is it focused on external appearances or on building your inner character? Since God values the heart above all else, how should that shape the way you prioritize your efforts?
DISCUSSION
Why do you think God values the character of the heart more than outward appearances when choosing leaders?
What can we learn from King Saul’s struggles with insecurity and lack of integrity? How can we avoid similar pitfalls in our own lives?
David was chosen as king because of his heart for the Lord and his integrity. What qualities do you think are most important for someone in a leadership role, and why?
How can we focus more on building our inner character rather than just our outward appearance or achievements? What practical steps can we take to align our priorities with God’s?
PRAY
Thank You, God, that You see our hearts and chose Jesus to be our Forever King. Help us to love people like you do. Thank You, God that You have a plan and You know best even when we don’t understand.
ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find an ornament that corresponds with today’s content - God Chooses a New King. Then hang your thirteenth ornament on the tree.
Family memories: Get 2 bananas. One needs to be really green on the outside and the other needs to be speckled brown and have a few bruises. Identify which one is sweetest. Then discuss how God looks at our heart not the outside. Take a photo or video of your family activity or putting your 13th ornament on your Advent tree. Post your pictures or videos to the facebook group or tag @summitparkchurch!