 Saturday: Choosing David
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed David in the midst of his
brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.
1 Samuel 16:13a
Samuel was a great prophet, the last of the judges. He learned to recognize
God's voice at an early age. Using that gift, Samuel listened to God's direction
and anointed Saul as king over Israel. Not long afterward, God told Samuel
to anoint someone else to be king.
Stop for a moment to think about this. Royal families do not like to be replaced.
This was not likely to be a smooth transition. From Saul's perspective, it
would be treason for Samuel to anoint someone else to take the throne.
Traditionally, treason is a capital offense. The danger was obvious to Samuel.
Answering God's call to anoint a successor literally put Samuel's life in
peril. Even so, he followed God's direction. He found David and anointed
him.
Having anointed David, Samuel's life was no longer the only one at risk.
A charge of treason would apply equally to David, and to prevent any of David's
family members from claiming the throne, they could also face execution.
Thus, through an act of obedience and blessing, Samuel, David, and David's
family all found themselves in harm's way.
In the following years, David would rise in popularity, be declared an enemy
of the state, lead a civil insurrection, and eventually take the throne.
It was not a safe path. It was not an easy life. But it was the path that
God had laid. It was the life that God had given. It was the way to blessing
and fulfillment. It was the way to glorify God.
Being chosen by God does not make us immune from peril. While we honor God's
calling, though, it does provide assurance that we will have God's care and
blessing. As we continue on our pilgrim journey, remember that God may call
us to face danger. The path before us may lead through valleys and shadows.
But God will still be with us. God will always care for us. He is our God,
and we are His people.
Loving Father, thank you for watching over your children. Thank you for
watching over me. Let me listen to your voice, just as Samuel did. Let me
heed your call. Let me follow your path. Let me face danger for you, and
let me know your blessings and your care. I know that when you care for me,
there is nothing else that I need. Amen.
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