“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.”10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.”11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.” 1 Samuel 16.7-13
Finally, things are starting to look up for Israel. Saul has been rejected as king and now Samuel is at the house of Jesse reviewing his eight sons to see which is to be chosen and anointed as the next king of Israel.
God tells Samuel, “do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at…the Lord looks at the heart.” And so, son after son come by and none of them are the chosen one. Abinadab the oldest, tall, strapping lad was the first to be on display- but it wasn’t him. The Lord had not chosen any of these sons. Samuel asks Jesse if he has any more and lo and below, there is one more, out tending the sheep. The youngest, and his name is David.
Well we know the rest of the story, David is brought in and he’s selected. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” So Samuel anoints David with the “horn of the oil” and did all of this “in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.”
What a beautiful story! God continues to reach out and redeem his people. Even though Saul was a major disappointment, God has a back up! He selected a “man after his own heart.” And although David has his faults, as we will see later on in this story, he is a person whose heart is set on pleasing and serving the Lord.
There is good news in this message — you don’t have to be perfect to serve God! You only have to be ready and available for God’s anointing, selection and choosing. David wasn’t the best and the brightest, he wasn’t the strongest or tallest, or the most mature and accomplished. David was available and was willing to serve in the Lord in whatever capacity God determined.
Are you willing to be used by God? Is your heart set on the things of God? Have you surrendered your heart to Jesus? Why not reaffirm your love for God this very hour? Allow him to use you to bless and benefit His Kingdom.
“O Lord God, you are good. When I read the story of David I know there is hope for the rest of us. Hope for the broken, the beaten and the bruised. Hope for our world and for us as sinners. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and love. Help me be the person you have called me to be. I receive you Lord Jesus, and give my heart to your cause. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen