Samuel’s
The LORD Said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel?” I Samuel 16:1a
God’s
Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” I Samuel 16:1b
Samuel’s
And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.” Samuel did what the LORD commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, “Do you come peaceably?” And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.” I Samuel 16:2-5
God’s
When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him. But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance of on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen these.” I Samuel 16:6-10
God’s
Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here. And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” I Samuel 16:11-12
God’s
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. I Samuel 16:13
Application
- When life seems to be out of control, rest in the truth that God is completely in control.
- While our culture tells you that your external features are most important, focus on the internal qualities of a godly heart.
- Even when you feel forgotten and unseen, the Creator of the universe knows your name.
- As one who is surrendered to Christ, you walk in the anointing of the Holy Spirit.