Anointed: A Study in 1 SamuelSample

What does it say?

The Lord directed Samuel to anoint Jesse’s son, David, as the new king of Israel.

What does it mean?

Israel had demanded a king, and God gave them what they wanted. Saul was tall and “kingly” in appearance. However, he no longer desired to please God in his heart. Israel needed a new king now that Saul had become unfit to lead – though Samuel was still using Saul as a standard. He took one look at Eliab and thought he’d found the new king. But God looks beyond appearance and sees the motives of the heart. David was an unlikely choice for king; Jesse had not even called him in from the field to be considered. Nevertheless, God saw a humble heart with a sincere desire to follow Him.

How should I respond?

Remember the old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover”? That holds true, even when looking at yourself. By comparing ourselves with others, we sometimes think that God can’t use us. You’ll always find someone who appears to be more talented and gifted to serve the Lord than you. God, however, looks straight through what everyone else sees and takes inventory of your heart. What’s holding you back from serving the Lord? Is your heart filled with self-serving pride or with a humble desire to serve Christ? Ask God to show you what He sees and where He wants you to serve Him. You may think that you’re an unlikely choice to do great things for God, but so was King David.