1 Samuel 16: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20samuel%2016&version=31
(I think clicking on this will take you to the passage. If it doesn't today, I will have it set up by Tuesday.)
Saul has been a failure as king in that he did not follow God's direction. He is still king, but God is directing Samjel to anoint a new king, that is David.
Read the chapter before thinking about any of these comments/questions.
God instructs Samuel to anoint a new king even as Saul continues to reign. What is Samuel's first response? Samuel is at a point of decision, which is greater his fear for his life or his commitment to serve God? Consider you own faith journey, how often has fear shaped your response to God?
Spend a few moments considering verse 7 and the standard by which God judges.
Notice in verses 17-18 the important role an attendant plays in being used by God to get David before the king. The unnamed attendant is a key to the story. When we are open to the direction of God, we never know how God might be using us.
If you have any thoughts or questions, you can post them here or send me an email at kend@fumcg.org
In today's society it's difficult for us to view the world through the Lord's eyes. How often do we judge others, AND OURSELVES, by man's standards? In my line of work I often feel that my heart is in the right place, but others don't see it that way. There's a peace in knowing that our Lord purposefully looks at the heart.
ReplyDeleteIt is strange to think of David as a warrior. It seems that the passage is telling us that God picks those to lead that we would overlook because we are attracted to the wrong things. It also seems to be saying that you must be open to life and God's direction. David was a sheep herder and then went to serve the king by playing a harp, not knowing what God had planned for him.
ReplyDeleteSamuel's first response to God's request is denial. He does not want to anoint a new king for fear of his life. He is more concerned with pleasing man than pleasing God. I think this reaction is a common one that transcends generations. Recently, I have been struggling with what God is calling me to do. When I first thought that God may be speaking to me it was rather scary. Often times His ideas and ours differ, and it is sometimes hard to accept because it may go against what society sees as normal or acceptable.
ReplyDeleteGod looks beyond worldly things when placing judgement. Like verse 7 says, "the Lord looks on the heart." From the outside, it is impossible to tell how someone will react to the Lord's requests and how one will serve Him. As Wesley mentioned, there is comfort in knowing that the Lord will look beyond what others see, He sees who we truly are and can be.
It is difficult to view the world through the Lord's eyes. I think that is part of why it is a challenge to live the life of a Christian, we are asked to see the world in a manner that is not normal.
ReplyDelete