December 13 His Choice for a King


Annointing of the king.  This was what Samuel was commissioned to do. Go to Bethlehem and anoint the next king. He had been mourning the state of Israel and that of their king. Saul had not proved to be the godly king that they were expecting. God had told Samuel to get up and go. Stop mourning. It was as if he was saying to Samuel, worry no longer. I am sovereign. I know the situation and I have prepared the next ruler. Trust Me.

In peace? The elders of the town were worried. Have you come in peace? Yes, he had. To offer sacrifices. To worship. He went to home of Jesse through whom the line of Jesus’ family would continue. Observing each of Jesse’s sons, he wondered. Lord, is it this one? And the story goes on. A familiar one it is, but it reminds me each time I read it of how things go in God’s kingdom. “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”  (I Samuel 16:7) This verse has encouraged many for generations and it encourages us today. Samuel was looking at the outward appearance for Israel’s next leader and God was telling Him His ways were different.

The youngest of Jesse’s sons was chosen to be Israel’s next leader. And the story goes on. Though David’s decisions weren’t always the best, God called him later as one who was after His own heart. God had seen it even when David was a young man.

Lord, may you see that in us, a heart that reflects your own.

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