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1 Samuel 16

Saul was anointed while seeking asses; David while tending sheep.

The kings came from things commonplace. “God looketh on the heart” (v. 7).

Skill, fine features, pleasing manners—”personality”—can be had by external imposition, and God cares little for such. His eye is on the heart.

Now external effects are not bad—David had them: cunning, courageous, clever, and comely. But what was important was that “the Lord was with him” (v. 18). When personality is made from within, it is acceptable.

The holy life of fearless Samuel brought trembling to the elders of Bethlehem. Lord, wilt Thou impart holiness of this sort to me? I can make men laugh; I cannot make them tremble.

This chapter illustrates the power of music (v. 23).

–29 July, 1948

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About Jim Elliot

Jim was one of the most notable Christian martyrs of the twentieth century. He died taking the gospel to the Huaorani people of Ecuador. Jim was a graduate of Wheaton College and an evangelist in the United States before embarking to minister in Ecuador. Jim's official biography is called The Shadow of the Almighty. Jim's wife, Elisabeth, still ministers broadly. Jim's postings on InFocus are all taken directly from The Journals of Jim Elliot.