I Samuel 16:13
“Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed him, with his brothers standing around watching. The Spirit of GOD entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life. Samuel left and went home to Ramah.”
“So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.”
Before Christ the indwelling Holy Spirit was experienced by prophets, priests and kings. Christ became humanities advocate when he died on the cross. Now, those who believe he endured the agonizing penalty of our sin in his death by crucifixion likewise experience this filling. With sin atoned we now have intimacy with our creator. Still we, like the prophets, priests, and kings of old, choose to step away from this blessed relationship and do it our way. God loves and gives freedom. When freedom leads to license and wandering, God’s spirit within us hurts as surely as we when earthly relationship go awry.
Old Testament record of David’s life is full of stepping away from God. It is comforting to read when we do the same. God did not abandon David and he will not abandon us. His Spirit within continues to woo, calling the believer back to fulfill their ultimate purpose, relationship with and delight in himself.
How did David’s brothers and Jesse’s household respond to David’s anointing, this evidence of God’s provision and will? It must have greatly unsettled. Those with God toward hearts rejoiced. Those full of self, did not. Which are we?
Lord, I believe. Help me with my unbelief. Forgive my sins. Keep my heart toward you. Call me back when I wander. Return me to yourself. I want no other destiny.