What Impresses God?

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’ ” – 1 Samuel 16:7 Out of obedience to God’s instruction to reveal the next king, the prophet Samuel arrives in Bethlehem. His appearance causes fear among the people, who anxiously ask if he comes in peace. Samuel reassures them, “Yes, I come in peace.” He explains that he has come to make a sacrifice and consecrate the Lord’s people. As the temple had not yet been built, sacrifices to the Lord could take place anywhere and were, in many ways, like a holy barbecue. If you grew up Catholic, think of a fish fry, but with meat. The sacrifice is offered to God, but afterward, the