David was a shepherd boy whom God took from the sheepfold, to dwell in the palace. This man was called by God, ordained for greatness, even when no one was mindful of him. David eventually became a man dear to God’s heart.
The first time the name of David was mentioned in the Bible was in Ruth 4:17.
Another occurrence of David in the Bible, prior to the time he was anointed, was in 1 Samuel 13:13-14 (even though his name was not mentioned here).
The Lord also made reference to David in 1 Samuel 15:27-29.
Samuel hadn’t met David before the anointing service, but the Lord had given him (Samuel) a prior notice of the man he was preparing for kingship.
Speaking about Saul in Hosea 13:11, the Lord said ‘I gave you a king in My anger, and took him away in My wrath’.
Also in Acts 13:21-22, the Bible confirmed that the Israelites asked for a king, and He gave them Saul, the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin who reigned for forty years.
God later on removed Saul and He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will’.
Let’s examine the life of David in 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and draw out some important lessons:
1. God knew you before you were formed. He already established His plans and purposes for your life, even before you were conceived. He had perfected His work in you before now, He had pre-ordained you ahead of time.
He said to Samuel ‘…For I have provided Myself a king among his sons’
1 Samuel 16:1; Jeremiah 1:5; Romans 8:28-30
2. Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. People and even men of God sometimes fail to see from God’s perspective.
Are you a surface Christian or a person of depth? Men of depth are grounded, they are firmed rooted in Christ the Rock! They are Spirit-filled and Word-oriented…
Even the best of prophets could get carried away with the outward appearance of men of surface, they possess great enticing skills… (e.g. good looks, eloquence, display of affluence, etc). Dig deep! Be a person of depth. Seek not after temporary things alone…
1 Samuel 16:5-10
Names of David’s brothers were listed in 1Chronicles 2:13-14
3. When you carry the grace of God for generational impact, people will look down upon you, even your folks will despise you. Joseph’s brothers hated and envied him. Jephthah’s brothers ostracized him. David’s folks looked down on him. Jesus’ brothers doubted Him.
NOTE: It’s part of the process that God is taking you through.
Moreover, you don’t need the approval of men to make a full proof of your ministry, God is all you need.
David was relegated to the background, left to cater for the sheep in the wilderness. But, he found God! Stay alone with God, don’t be in a hurry to launch out, stay in the place of your calling, and you will find Him…
Make a full proof of your ministry (2 Tim. 4:5).
Let no one despise your youth (1 Tim. 4:12).
4. Take your place. Where you are might not be the desired place, but hold on to it, while you trust God to fulfil His promises. Step into your God-given place (the place of preparation, service and purposeful living).
Until you take your place, nothing takes place. Assume your rightful position! Do your business diligently. Cultivate a lifestyle of discipline. Be responsible.
Spiritual responsibility places you in a high demand. It’s the bedrock on which successful life and ministry are built.
Ecc. 9:10; Prov. 22:29; 1 Samuel 16:11.
5. Covet and receive the anointing.
Samuel was sent specifically for this purpose. This anointing made the difference in the life of David. He had previously been chosen by God, but he needed the anointing. Samuel came all the way from Ramah for this purpose.
This anointing launched David into a new realm of exploits and spiritual insights.
Psalm 23:4; 89:20; 1 Samuel 16:12-13
Jesus called us the light of the world and the salt of the earth. You have been called by God for a specific purpose, to advance His kingdom. Destiny beckons on you, the seed of greatness lies within you.
Arise and shine!
