2015-10-26 - What Would Samuel Say?

Originally Published 2015-05-18

1 Samuel 16:1-13

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by a man’s face or height, for this is not the one. I don’t make decisions the way you do! Men judge by outward appearance, but I look at a man’s thoughts and intentions.” (1 Samuel 16:7 TLB)

Even Godly people get it wrong sometimes. I knew the Lord had said to travel to Bethlehem, to visit Jesse, as I was to anoint one of Jesse's sons as king. The son would replace King Saul, who ruled without trusting the Lord.

I feared for my life, if I took this trip. Once King Saul heard about the voyage, my life would be in jeopardy. I told God my fears, and He told me how to avoid being killed by Saul. I did what the Lord advised. Phew.

I saw Eliab, Jesse's oldest, and was sure he would be king. God had a different choice. The Lord reminded me that I was looking on the outside, and God based His decisions on a man's heart, his credentials. None of the seven sons were the king-to-be. I asked Jesse if these were all his children. No, there was another boy. Why wasn't he here, I wondered.

Jesse did not think enough of his youngest son, to be present. He was responsible, out working, taking care of the family's sheep. I immediately asked for David.

When David arrived, the Lord told me to anoint him. David was good-looking like his older brother, but the Lord saw something more than appearance in the youngest son. I anointed David with the oil I brought, and the spirit of the Lord “gave him great power, from that day onward.” (verse 13 TLB) David was a leader in the animal world, and would later become a leader for Israel, the nation's second king.

Lord, It is nice conversing with You. May I never be afraid to tell You my concerns, and help me to be willing to execute Your advice. Let no fear try to take charge! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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All scripture references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.