Daily Christian Devotional

19 January, 2026

1 Samuel 16.1, 6-13, Psalm 110.1-6a, 1 Corinthians 4.1-5, Matthew 24.42-46

When Samuel goes to anoint a king, he assumes greatness will look familiar—strong, impressive, obvious. Yet God corrects him: the Lord does not see as humans see. God looks on the heart. David, overlooked and unexpected, is chosen, and the Spirit rushes upon him. God’s purposes are not shaped by appearance or status, but by faithfulness and openness to God.

Psalm 110 speaks of God’s anointed one sharing in God’s authority, ruling not by human might alone, but by divine calling. True leadership flows from God’s initiative, not human ambition.

Paul echoes this in his words to the Corinthians. He describes himself and others as servants and stewards, accountable not to human judgement but to the Lord. What is hidden will be brought to light in God’s time. Faithfulness, not acclaim, is what matters.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus urges watchfulness. The faithful servant is not defined by position or recognition, but by attentiveness and responsibility. Readiness is lived out in everyday obedience.

Together these readings remind us that God sees what is hidden, calls whom God wills, and values faithfulness over appearance. Our calling is to live alert, humble, and trusting, knowing that God’s judgement is also God’s mercy.

---

Prayer

God who sees the heart,
keep us faithful in what you entrust to us.
Free us from the need for approval
and teach us to live watchfully and wisely.
May your Spirit shape our hearts
that we may serve you with humility and trust,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.