Year of the Bible: Part Five of Twelve Paraugs

Inside Out

After rejecting King Saul for his disobedience, God anointed another king for Himself, a shepherd boy named David. Initially, David was overlooked because he didn’t fit the Israelites’ stereotype, but God valued the inner quality of man more than the outward appearance.

David is called a man after God’s own heart. The difference between Saul and David’s kingship was how they related to God and their desire to achieve His purpose or not.

For the remainder of Saul’s reign, he acknowledged God but still tried to do things his way; David, however, respected King Saul and honored God’s anointed, even while waiting to become king. Both David and Saul faced hardships and struggled with various temptations, but their reactions to these situations were often completely different. Eventually, David became king, chosen because of his desire for fellowship with God. Both kings’ credentials and outward appearance were not the Lord’s priority as much as a willing heart that submits to Him.

David was a great king who had difficulties, but his faith persevered. More importantly, his descendants led to the birth of Jesus. As the years went on, there was great anticipation that the Messiah would be a great king. Of course, Jesus dismissed all stereotypes and expectations. Jesus had no palace to call home and He didn’t have rare jewelry or an elaborate wardrobe. He had no army or any kind of political power. All Jesus had was the Father’s love and the Spirit’s strength to make Him King of all Kings.

Faith in Jesus Christ immediately qualifies you to serve God and advance His kingdom regardless of your credentials or outward appearance. Remember that David was just a shepherd boy, and Jesus was born in a barn. If God made David a great king and proved Jesus to be King of all Kings, He can certainly use you. All we need to do is place our faith in Jesus and allow God to turn our perspective inside out. Remember, God qualifies those who He calls.

Question: Have you ever felt unqualified to do ministry? If so, what made you feel that way?

Prayer: Ask the Lord to reveal your true qualifications as a child of God and how you can serve and advance His kingdom. Also, ask the Lord to bring people who will point out your finer inner qualities.

Special Assignment: Take three days of the next week to prayerfully seek other Christians who have found their call in God and schedule a 10-minute conversation with each of them. Ask them how you, too, can identify your qualifications to serve God. Ask for counsel on how to serve God and advance His kingdom.