What Are You Looking At?

Please read 1 Samuel 16:1-13.   Samuel was the last judge and first prophet of Israel.  Like other nations, Israel wanted a king.  So directed by God, Samuel appointed Saul the first king.  Beginning with promise, Saul came to exhibit persistent disobedience to God’s commands.   Saul appeared to be the whole package, but he looked to people for affirmation instead of God and eventually lost the kingdom.  What some failed to acknowledge, God was, is and will always be in control. This is something we need to hold on to when we are in financial distress, struggling through an illness, or praying for a wayward child.  Our attitude toward God does not, cannot, and will not ever discount that God is the victor. 

God tells Samuel to go and anoint a new king for Israel.  Initially fearful, he complies.  I think it’s important for us to notice that Samuel did not allow himself to stay stuck in the past because of fear.  Maybe that’s where we find ourselves today, unwilling to do something or allowing our lives to get smaller because we are afraid.  Maybe God is saying to you, “Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you.”  Friends, we need to walk with a purpose and confident in God’s plan for us.

Did you notice that God did not reveal the whole plan to Samuel?   It would be too much for him to take in.  This is a message for us.  God often divulges details to us in small and manageable ways – one step at a time.  Secondly, while we do not always hear the audible words of God, we are put in the path of knowledge, wisdom, and love that allows us to discern God’s will in time, as we are patient.  

We hear a reoccurring theme highlighted most famously in Ecclesiastes.  There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.  This text emphasizes that we need to accept change, trust in God’s sovereignty, and look for joy in life even though we cannot control the future.  God has a plan for you. We read in Jeremiah 29, "I know the plans I have for you... plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  The beauty in this message is that despite our response to a situation, God will prevail.  Once we learn that we are not in control, we begin to rest in the One who is. 

In biblical times as like in baptism today, people were anointed with oil to set them apart for service to the Lord.  God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse. He had many sons who were called to witness God’s choosing. Impressed by the outside appearance of his first son, Samuel went to pour the oil, it would not flow.  Like us, he was drawn to external appearances – he jumped to a conclusion and made a judgment, this interaction is a reminder to us that God looks at the heart.  Again and again, bypassing all seven presented, Samuel asked, if there were any other sons. Almost as an afterthought Jesse mentioned the youngest, not even calling him by name. Samuel would not even eat until the youngest, David, was summoned from the fields.  Where he spent countless hours alone with God – trusting him in danger, talking to Him as the stars twinkled, and being groomed through Scripture.  What I do hear, loud and clear, is that no matter who counts you out, you are never forgotten by God.  Arriving, Samuel poured the oil over David, and it flowed.  In front of the brothers, David was anointed the future king.  God was working through Samuel to emphasize that God, is truly King.   

Secretly anointed David went back to tending sheep.   He patiently waited for many years, serving King Saul as a harpist then in his military, before seeking refuge in caves while he was hunted by jealous Saul, the king whose place he was soon to take and then by his own jealous son, Absolom. 

God chooses unlikely people to serve.  At times God will call us to what seems to be impossible tasks, but like God told Samuel, “Fill your horn with oil and go; I will show you what to do.”  We need to trust God’s plan for our lives.  That day, the Spirit of the Lord rested in David.  For most of us the journey begins in baptism as our new life in Christ is guided by the Spirit. As we are nurtured in faith, the Spirit’s work continues.  

God chose David.  This is particularly meaningful as we open and search our hearts during this Lenten season.  Defined as “a man after God’s own heart,” David sinned.  He committed adultery and tried to cover up the sin by arranging a murder.  Despite his past, David was honest with himself and God, he accepted consequences, and assumed responsibility.  He expressed remorse, repented, and sought forgiveness. He prayed boldly and often. David set an example; one we can emulate. 

God moved David from the field to the palace, with sidesteps and baby steps along the way.  No matter what, David stuck with God.  What steps have you taken to demonstrate your trust in God’s plan for your life?  Many of us have boldly stepped out and been pleasantly gifted with amazing testimonies.  Conversely, where are we being asked to step and are fearful of moving?  Church, just as God said to Samuel, God is saying to us, “Go, I will show you what to do.”  Let’s work on trusting God and encouraging one another in the journey.  And all God’s people say, amen. 

Blessings,

Pastor Kerry

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