Day 69 – 1 Samuel: Samuel & David

“So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.” So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.” 1 Samuel 16:12-13 NLT

Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1 to 1 Samuel 31:13

I can only imagine what Samuel was thinking when looking at the line-up of Jesse’s sons, handsome and physically strong boys ready to take the throne. As God rejected from eldest to youngest, Samuel might have thought he was running out of options, there were no sons in the line left. Imagine what he must have thought when young David walked in; young, scrawny, and smelling like field and flock. Where Saul had a striking first appearance, David had a striking character. At that time, Saul didn’t know David fended off a bear and lion to protect his father’s flock. He did not know the plans God had for this boy. But he was obedient and let the oil flow.

This “rags-to-riches” of David takes us from the young boy tending his father’s flock to the mightiest king in the history of Israel. Though David killed Goliath quickly, he waited patiently (through many trials and tribulations) for God to deal with Saul. Just like Israel, David received God’s anointing and promise but had to journey to fulfilment. During this journey we see David defeating Goliath, a beautiful relationship with Jonathan, and his persecution and hiding from Saul. This chosen king of Israel lived in caves, fleeing for his life. Difficult circumstances and waiting times often refine us to where God needs us to be in our character. He uses these times to teach and prepare us for future and greater responsibilities.

Prayer: Father, there are times we feel like the boy David; young and inexperienced to the task at hand. But thank You, that through his story we learn that the road ahead and Your plan for our lives is a journey where You teach and prepare so we can be the best we are in Christ Jesus. Amen.