Today I read 1 Samuel 16, in which David is chosen to be king of Israel and the spirit of the Lord came upon him. Today I considered we can’t keep mourning the previous leader or person in our lives, we need to move on to the next task God has ahead for us. Today I also considered that we need our skills and reputation ready when God calls us.
David Anointed As King
Samuel went from mourning to following the task of appointing a new king (1 Samuel 16:1-13). Samuel was mourning Saul who was rejected by God. God told Samuel to fill his horn with oil and anoint the one God points out as king from among Jesse’s sons. God told Samuel take a heifer with him and use sacrificing to the Lord as a reason to go to Bethlehem. Samuel called Jesse and his son’s to the sacrifice. Jesse had seven sons pass before Samuel that God did not choose because God knows people’s hearts. Samuel asked if he had other sons and Jesse called his youngest David from taking care of the sheep. Samuel anointed David and the spirit of the Lord came upon him.
Ready To Perform
The king became troubled and they needed someone skilled to perform and ease his spirit (1 Samuel 16:14-23). The spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and an evil spirit from the Lord trouble him. Saul’s servants recommended a skilled harpist to play when Saul is troubled. A servant recommended David as a skilled harpist, a warrior that is valiant, prudent, and handsome. Saul sent a message to Jesse and Jesse sent David. When he saw him, Saul loved David and made him Saul’s armor bearer. David’s playing the harp refreshed Saul’s soul and caused the evil spirit to depart.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
David was not only skilled in playing the harp, he already had a good overall reputation. When God calls us to do tasks for him or to perform we need to already have a good reputation and be skilled.
What skills has God given you that you need to develop so you are ready to use them when God calls?