Samuel Anoints David King

Our decisions and choices have temporary and lasting effects. God helps His people to live by His wisdom and make right choices that offer good rewards. 1 Samuel 16:13 - Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the mist of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. The followings are discussed: God Directs Samuel; God Chooses David, and God Positions David.

God Directs Samuel: Samuel mourned and parted ways with Saul following his rejection by God. Saul was rejected as a result of his disobedience and failure to repent. After the severed relationship Samuel parted company with the disgraced and disobedient  king 15:34-35). We could experience a strained relationship when people close to us choose to reject God. Christians should neither harbour resentment nor reject them. We can feel the pain but must not allow it to weigh us down. It is our responsibility to pray for their restoration.

God instructed Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint a new king for Israel. God will change persons for disobedience as He carries out His plan. Samuel was afraid of Saul, thinking of possible attack if he discovered his move to anoint a new king (1 Samuel 16: 1-5). Samuel sought God for the direction through the challenges instead of relying on his own. Rather than pursue our ways through difficult circumstances we should turn to God for the direction. Samuel did as God instructed and began the process of anointing a new king. The instructions came after the other and required stepwise obedience.  Samuel did as instructed until the scene was set to anoint a new king.

God Chooses David: Samuel might have thought God would consider physical status in anointing a new king as in the case of Saul. He was to be careful in his judgement of the man that would be anointed, and shouldn't consider physical appearance but the character (1 Samuel 16:6-11). Likewise, we should be careful in choosing people to fill positions in the service of God. Our choice should conform with criteria God looks at to choose people for His service. These are based on the condition of the heart. People can be impressed with qualification, position or status of an individual, Only God knows the true character of a person.

All sons of Jesse had passed before Samuel except David that wasn't invited. David might have been considered by his father as unlikely candidate to rule the nation but he was God's choice. Samuel didn't hesitate to anoint David as instructed by God (1 Samuel 16:12-13). Immediately David was anointed the Spirit of God came upon him and was prepared for special purpose.

God Positions David: The Spirit of God had left Saul, giving him over to evil spirits to possess and torment. This represented divine judgement for his rebellion (1 Samuel 16: 14-20). Saul's problem was compounded by his disobedience and unrepentant heart. He suffered emotional distress which came as a spiritual battle under demonic influence. Saul's emotional instability doesn't indicate all emotional problems are demonic in origin. However, David had been equipped with musical skills Saul needed to bring relieve to his troubled soul and mind. God's hand was upon David as he was equipped to meet Saul's needs. God equips people with natural abilities that can open doors of opportunities for individuals.

David related with Saul with humility in spite of his anointing to succeed him. Saul was so impressed by the character of David that he appointed him to be his amour bearer. He trusted and made David a person that would protect him in times of danger and comfort him when he was being tormented by the spirits. David wasn't curious to succeed Saul, rather he set his eyes upon God for the guidance to emerge king. Lesson texts: 1 Samuel 15:34 through 16:23.