God's People: Samuel and David
When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the Lord.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. ~ I Samuel 6:6-13
In the midst of Saul's life falling apart, Samuel - despite his fears for his life - follows God's instructions and anoints the next king.
Again, as with Saul, it is God who does the choosing.
But this time, God makes Samuel work a little bit for it. He has to go through the entire line of Jesse's sons before he gets to the right one.
The youngest one.
David has, at least on face value, some similarities to Saul. Like Saul he is handsome. Like Saul, he had been in the midst of doing chores for his father when he is chosen.
And, as was in yesterday's reading, there is another tie between the two: David's music was the only thing that could soothe Saul from his evil spirit.
There will be other connections between the two, and yet these two similar men would be two very different kings.
David's anointing is done in private here. Not something grand like we are used to seeing coming out of Westminster Abbey! Not everyone knows that he is now the king. Saul certainly doesn't know it.
It is a very private affair done before his family and before God, and did not mark the beginning of his public leadership.
In the meantime, God would be equipping - preparing - David for his role.
It reminds me of baptism. Many of us were likely baptized as infants: not ready yet for the responsibilities that come with being an adult member of God's people.
Yet still lifted up by our family - both biological, and the community of faith - who all make a promise to prepare us for the journey ahead of us.
Claimed by God, as David was, even before we were what some people would think of as ready, or even before we have any understanding of it.
God's claim on us comes from God, not our own preparedness. But God also equips and prepares us for the calling and says "you are ready," often even before we think we are.
Prayer: Lord, you have prepared me for this journey of faith. Help me to hear your call and be ready for service in your great adventure of life. Amen.
In the midst of Saul's life falling apart, Samuel - despite his fears for his life - follows God's instructions and anoints the next king.
Again, as with Saul, it is God who does the choosing.
But this time, God makes Samuel work a little bit for it. He has to go through the entire line of Jesse's sons before he gets to the right one.
The youngest one.
David has, at least on face value, some similarities to Saul. Like Saul he is handsome. Like Saul, he had been in the midst of doing chores for his father when he is chosen.
And, as was in yesterday's reading, there is another tie between the two: David's music was the only thing that could soothe Saul from his evil spirit.
There will be other connections between the two, and yet these two similar men would be two very different kings.
David's anointing is done in private here. Not something grand like we are used to seeing coming out of Westminster Abbey! Not everyone knows that he is now the king. Saul certainly doesn't know it.
It is a very private affair done before his family and before God, and did not mark the beginning of his public leadership.
In the meantime, God would be equipping - preparing - David for his role.
It reminds me of baptism. Many of us were likely baptized as infants: not ready yet for the responsibilities that come with being an adult member of God's people.
Yet still lifted up by our family - both biological, and the community of faith - who all make a promise to prepare us for the journey ahead of us.
Claimed by God, as David was, even before we were what some people would think of as ready, or even before we have any understanding of it.
God's claim on us comes from God, not our own preparedness. But God also equips and prepares us for the calling and says "you are ready," often even before we think we are.
Prayer: Lord, you have prepared me for this journey of faith. Help me to hear your call and be ready for service in your great adventure of life. Amen.