I Samuel 16:10-11
“Then he asked Jesse, ‘Is this it? Are there no more sons?’ ‘Well, yes, there’s the runt. But he’s out tending the sheep.’ Samuel ordered Jesse, ‘Go get him. We’re not moving from this spot until he’s here.’”
“Then Samuel asked, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’ ‘There is still the youngest,’ Jesse replied. ‘But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.’ Send for him at once,’ Samuel said. ‘We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.’”
David’s father didn’t think to bring him to Samuel along with his other sons. With hindsight we know David’s immense potential. Yet it was entirely overlooked. Imagine living in Jesse’s family. His attitudes and decisions defined their reality. Think of personal and public leaders in our world who do the same for us. Jesse was blind and they may be too. Don’t be caught up in popular opinion or the mob. Ask God how to act and react, even when it inconveniences others. Imagine the grumbling between David’s brothers when they had to wait for their dinner.
This passage is a comfort to the overlooked. Also, it is a warning not to undervalue the seemingly insignificant. God uses them too. Sometimes in surprising ways.
Lord, I also am guilty of looking down on others. Instead, make me the kind of person who sees and calls forth the best, the unsuspected, in everyone I meet every day.
I Samuel 16:7-6
“When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, ‘Here he is! GOD’s anointed!’ But GOD told Samuel, ‘Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. GOD judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; GOD looks into the heart.’”
“When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, ‘Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!’ But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”
Even Samuel fell into the trap of decision making based on what his eyes could see. God made us to delight in beauty. Unfortunately, this world’s beauty has been corrupted by sin and may be enjoyed, but not trusted. Growing closer to God opens our eyes to hidden beauty that captures our mind and heart. It can be chewed on, enjoyed over time with more satisfaction. Beauty of the unseen will delight us for eternity.
Lord, may the lenses of my eyes be purified to see beauty that lasts and satisfies, especially your beauty. Whisper a warning when I begin to fall for temporal beauty. Keep my eyes on the far horizon.
I Samuel 16:4-5
“Samuel did what GOD told him. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the town fathers greeted him, but apprehensively. ‘Is there something wrong?’ ‘Nothing’s wrong. I’ve come to sacrifice this heifer and lead you in the worship of GOD. Prepare yourselves, be consecrated, and join me in worship.’ He made sure Jesse and his sons were also consecrated and called to worship.”
“So Samuel did as the Lord instructed. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town came trembling to meet him. ‘What’s wrong?’ they asked. ‘Do you come in peace?’ ‘Yes’ Samuel replied. ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Purify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.’ Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice, too.”
God commanded and Samuel obeyed. We should too. Further, Samuel’s obedience assured his own safety and those of others. God’s instructed approach to Bethlehem eased the wariness of town fathers, as they sought to care for their flock in turbulent political times. When we follow him, he never fails to work good in our lives which spills over into the lives of others.
Lord, pain paralyzes me today, eclipsing the world. Only you are left. May I follow so you may lead me to the good you have for me the next 24 hours. Thank you for showing me, over and over, your best and my physical pain can walk hand in hand for good, mine and others. Help me.
I Samuel 16:2-3
“‘I can’t do that,’ said Samuel. ‘Saul will hear about it and kill me.’ GOD said, ‘Take a heifer with you and announce, ‘I’ve come to lead you in worship of GOD, with this heifer as a sacrifice.’ Make sure Jesse gets invited. I’ll let you know what to do next. I’ll point out the one you are to anoint.’”
“But Samuel asked, ‘How can I do that? If Saul hears about it he will kill me.’ ‘Take a heifer with you,’ the Lord replied, ‘and say that you have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord. Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you which of his sons to anoint for me.’”
Samuel hears God’s command and thinks, “Can you be serious?” though his words are more reverential. God is a real person with whom we have a real relationship. It’s natural this kind of humor may enter our conversation. It’s as if God smiles in response as he provides Samuel the ‘how to’ accomplish his command. Typically, he doesn’t lay out his whole strategy. God gives us what we need and asks us to trust him for the rest.
Lord, I love the idea that you laugh! While I rejoice in this, and count upon it in our relationship, keep me aware of your glory too. You are an awesome, powerful and holy God.
I Samuel 16:1
“GOD addressed Samuel: ‘So, how long are you going to mope over Saul? You know I’ve rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your flask with anointing oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I’ve spotted the very king I want among his sons.’”
“Now the Lord said to Samuel, ‘You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel, so fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be my king.’”
Samuel, with his raw emotions, heads off for another adventure in God’s service. Though he knew he sought another king, he could not have known the eternal consequences of this journey to anoint David. Samuel’s remaining years saw Saul’s reign disintegrate. Despite appearances, God continued to work good among his people. David was undergoing baptism by fire in the wilderness, and he would lead Israel to its golden age. God himself knows grief and provided Samuel’s heart time to deal with his emotions before leading him onwards.
Faith processes emotions but is not ruled by them. When grief and fear haunt, the walk of faith remembers God is working good regardless appearances. Emotions enrich our lives beyond measure. But they are different than the hard rock of truth. Enjoy the former but trust the latter.
Lord you know my grief for the life I could have if healthy. Help me trust you are doing something good, though I can’t see it. Forgive me the longings for that healthy life. Instead, may knowing you be my comfort and joy.
I Samuel 15:35
“Samuel had nothing to do with Saul from then on, though he grieved long and deeply over him. But GOD was sorry he had ever made Saul king in the first place.”
“Samuel never went to meet with Saul again, but he mourned constantly for him. And the Lord was sorry he had ever made Saul king of Israel.”
Saul’s disobedience cost himself and others too. Samuel had high hopes for Saul. Scriptures do not tell us how many hours he had invested in Saul. It seems there was enough to develop great affection between them. Consequences of sin always ripple outwards, catching the innocent in their disruption. Samuel’s aching heart was one. God’s also. Mysteriously God knew Saul’s failure at the beginning but also hoped for his success. God our parent hopes for our best while standing firm as God our judge. Saul’s life shows us the parent and the judge are one and cannot be separately massaged to fulfill our covert desires.
Lord, I see myself in Saul. Like him, I easily justify my sin to myself. Then, I will try to justify it before you too. Rescue me from the tyranny of myself. Remove the black spot of sin from my heart and make me whole.
I Samuel 15:11-13
“Samuel was angry when he heard this. He prayed his anger and disappointment all through the night. He got up early in the morning to confront Saul but was told, ‘Saul’s gone. He went to Carmel to set up a victory monument in his own honor, and then was headed for Gilgal.’ By the time Samuel caught up with him, Saul had just finished an act of worship, having used Amalekite plunder for the burnt offerings sacrificed to GOD. As Samuel came close, Saul called out, ‘GOD’s blessings on you! I accomplished GOD’s plan to the letter!’”
“Samuel was so deeply moved when he heard this that he cried out to the Lord all night. Early the next morning Samuel went to find Saul. Someone told him, ‘Saul went to the town of Carmel to set up a monument to himself; then he went on the Gilgal.’ When Samuel finally found him Saul greeted him cheerfully. ‘May the Lord bless you,’ he said. ‘I have carried out the Lord’s command!’”
God told Saul, through Samuel, to destroy all living things in the Amalekite camps. Saul fudged. Samuel was heart sick at Saul’s failure to follow God’s explicit directions. Samuel took his hurt and anger to God. God can handle our emotions.
We, as Saul, like to think ourselves qualified to adjust God’s commands according to the situation. But the God of absolutes who reveals himself in scripture calls us to obedience, not to massage his commands. I know my own potential for failure. I prefer to obey and trust God’s unchanging faithfulness to sort out me and my messes.
The kind of destruction Saul was asked to orchestrate seems barbaric to us. These were barbaric times. Sometimes a situation is so evil, there is no possibility of redemption and total destruction is the only way forward. Only God can see every heart so only he would know. We must trust him in this.
Lord, some things in your Word are hard to make sense of. Work through the good brain you gave me to increase my understanding. Give me eyes to recognize evil and show me how to deal with it.
I Samuel 14: 47-48 & 52
“Saul extended his rule, capturing neighboring kingdoms. He fought enemies on every front—Moab, Ammon, Edom, the king of Zobah, the Philistines. Wherever he turned, he came up with a victory. He became invincible! He smashed Amalek, freeing Israel from the savagery and looting.
All through Saul’s life there was war, bitter and relentless, with the Philistines. Saul conscripted every strong and brave man he laid eyes on.”
“Now when Saul had secured his grasp on Israel’s throne, he fought against his enemies in every direction- against Moab, Ammon, Edom, the kinds of Zobah, and the Philistines. And wherever he turned, he was victorious. He performed great deeds and conquered the Amalekites, saving Israel from all those who had plundered them.
The Israelites fought constantly with the Philistines throughout Saul’s lifetime. So when ever Saul observed a young man who was brave and strong, he drafted him into his army”
This is a bright spot amidst the sad biblical record of Saul’s life. God used him to successfully protect Israel from her neighbors, though it took a bitter toll on her people. All of us are a little like Saul, falling short of God’s best for us. Yet God’s purpose still goes forward. Look for the bright spots in a dim situation, evidence of God’s continued presence regardless our failures.
Lord, forgive me for falling short in so many ways. I am broken with sin. I fail, but your purpose does not and somehow you still use my poor performance to accomplish your good on the earth. Your loving presence surrounds me still. You are truly a mighty God.
I Samuel 14:8-10
“Jonathan said, ‘Here’s what we’ll do. We’ll cross over the pass and let the men see we’re there. If they say, ‘Halt! Don’t move until we check you out,’ we’ll stay put and not go up. But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ we’ll go right up—and we’ll know GOD has given them to us. That will be our sign.’”
“‘All right, then,’ Jonathan told him. ‘We will cross over and let them see us. If they say to us, ‘Stay where you are or we’ll kill you,’ then we will stop and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come on up and fight,’ then we will go up. That will be the Lord’s sign that he will help us defeat them.’”
Jonathan climbed his way to victory in verses following because he looked up, not to the mountain pass, but to God. Military strategy values the high ground. But God’s way is upside-down to the world’s. Looking up in frightening times is easier if one is in the habit. Daily look up to God by reading his Word. Share your thoughts and needs with him. Practice listening to his voice. Learn of his personhood. Climb your way to victory.
Lord, often the daily crush of my painful body is so bad I cannot imagine climbing a hill. Help me believe all things possible when walking hand in hand with you.
I Samuel 14:6
“Jonathan said to his armor bearer, ‘Come on now, let’s go across to these uncircumcised pagans. Maybe GOD will work for us. There’s no rule that says GOD can only deliver by using a big army. No one can stop GOD from saving when he sets his mind to it.’”
“Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,’ Jonathan said to his armor bearer. ‘Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or a few.’”
Jonathan leaps onto the pages of scriptures with a fully formed, powerful faith. What person(s) sowed and watered the faith seed in his life? From him we learn the salvation God offers is mighty and does miraculous things. It can make us into a Jonathan and empower us to do mighty deeds too. Whether public or in secret, our reward will also be amazing.
Lord, grace me with the faith of a Jonathan. Let me see victories there for the taking. May I step up boldly into the salvation you offer, learning to put your power to work according to your purpose. Help me to run my race well.
I Samuel 13:22
“So when the battle of Micmash was joined, there wasn’t a sword or spear to be found anywhere in Israel—except for Saul and his son Jonathan; they were both well-armed.”
“So on the day of the battle none of the people of Israel had a sword or spear, except for Saul and Jonathan.”
Can you imagine going into battle against a foe armed with iron tools, carrying only sticks and stones? Six-hundred men remained with Saul, very courageous men. Likely they were terrified, but more frightened of living with themselves if they ran away. Knowing they would probably be dead by nightfall they set their faces toward the enemy. The next verses show God working to bring about victory for these beleaguered souls. Do not give up on our faithful God who specializes in last minute deliveries.
Lord, when these moments come in my life may I turn expectantly to you, doing my best to engage but leaving the future in your hands.
I Samuel 13:13-14
“‘That was a fool thing to do,’ Samuel said to Saul. ‘If you had kept the appointment that your GOD commanded, by now GOD would have set a firm and lasting foundation under your kingly rule over Israel. As it is, your kingly rule is already falling to pieces. GOD is out looking for your replacement right now. This time he’ll do the choosing. When he finds him, he’ll appoint him leader of his people. And all because you didn’t keep your appointment with GOD!’”
“‘How foolish!’ Samuel exclaimed. ‘You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. Had you kept it, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart. The Lord has already appointed him to be the leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.’”
God had blessed Saul with many undeniable signs confirming his kingship. Yet these signs did not grow his faith. Signs and wonders never have and never will convince anyone. This is the Spirit’s work, and he needs our assent to work in our hearts. Saul chose not to give him permission and he missed his appointment. There are turning points in all our lives. May we never miss them as Saul missed his.
See: John 16:8, Acts 2:38, John 14:17
Lord, fill me with your Spirit that I may always keep my appointments with you, the little and the big.