1 Samuel 16:11-13 – What a king !

Jesse’s seven adult sons went before Samuel one at a time, but none of them was chosen by the Lord. Bewildered, the prophet asked if Jesse had anymore son. The question Samuel asked must have jostled Jesse’s mind. He had almost forgotten his youngest. As far as the father was concerned, he was too young, one whom he did not even consider an adult. His words to Samuel were, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.” It appears as if he was saying, “he is just a boy, Samuel. I don’t think you want to consider him.” But we know that God’s ways are not man’s ways, neither His thoughts, man’s thoughts. Remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29,  ^“For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.” The prophet’s immediate response was, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” So they sent for David who was in the field looking after the father’s flock.

David according to verse 12 was “…ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance.” Immediately the Lord said to Samuel, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” And the prophet obeyed just as immediately. He “took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward.” More than physical looks,  it is important to note that he was empowered by the Spirit of God. This enabling would help him to effectively discharge the role and assignment that he was about to assume. O how we all need the enablement of the Holy Spirit to minister the life of God. Notice that the Spirit did not just trickle into David’s life but came mightily upon him. So that day in the town of Bethlehem, the king was anointed and none of his family realized the significance of it at all. But that town became very significant in God’s plan. For a thousand years later, another king was hailed in Bethlehem. He is none other than Jesus, the King of all kings. He became and still is history’s most significant figure. He is our King. And we must yield to His sovereign reign in our lives. It is through this King that our lives are forever changed. It is this King whom we are called to seek and emulate. We must seek first the kingly rule of Christ and His righteousness. Then, He promises to meet the needs we have in life.