You can’t judge a book by its cover. Yogi Berra stood at 5’7”. He hit 358 home runs and won 10 championship rings with the Yankees. Spud Webb is also 5’7”. He won the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Barry Sanders is 5’8”. He won the Heisman Trophy and was the most elusive runner in NFL history.

While we don’t know of King David’s precise measurements, what we do know is that he was the youngest brother in his big family. He was overlooked and underestimated. However, he had a big heart that beat for God’s glory. He was a skilled musician for God’s praise. He was courageous for God’s name on the battlefield. He was victorious for God’s people against enemies. But despite all that, he was still human; imperfect. He made many mistakes and committed grievous sins.

I’m glad you can’t judge a book by its cover. Almost no one would have chosen David. Certainly, no one would have chosen Jesus. What matters most to God is not the size of your measurements but the size of your heart for Him.

As competitors, we may be tempted to only focus on the measurables, height or might. But if we look beyond the surface, as God does us, we can be empowered. In the end, we all need a king whose heart is perfectly in-tune with the heart of God, rather than a king who looks or seems all mighty or powerful. We need a king who will not disappoint us. We need a loving, sacrificial, conquering, saving king. And when we take on His heart, then all things become possible.