The Call Of David

Title: “The Call of David” Script: I Sam. 16:1-13

Type: Series on David Where: GNBC 9-15-24

Intro: Several famous entertainment stars come from large families. Late night Stephen Colbert is the youngest of 11 siblings. Mel Gibson was the 6th of 11 children. Bill Murray was one of nine. Dolly Parton was one of twelve. The late Michael Jackson had three sisters and five brothers. Mark Wahlberg had eight siblings and 3 half siblings. Celine Dion was the youngest of 14 children. Marie Osmond had 8 brothers and she herself had 8 children. Susanna Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley, the famous founders, evangelists and hymn writers of Methodism, had somewhere between 19-23 children (Accounts vary!). That’s a lot of famous people from large families! Could have included several more. There are interesting family dynamics in large families. Especially, I am told, if you are the youngest! Well today we are going to read about an amazing individual who was the youngest of a large family, and how God called and used this man for God’s incredible purposes. Today we’ll examine the call of David.

Prop: Today we’ll examine three essential components to the call of David.

BG: 1. We begin the life of David with the story by which we are introduced to Israel’s hero.

2. Liberal Scholarship believed David was a mythical figure. Too fantastical of a life for them to believe what the Bible had always said. However, in 1993 the Tel Dan stele (monument) was found in Damascus. It was erected by Hazael in late 9th early 8th century BC. Commemorated the king’s victory over two kings, including one referred to as “The House of David”. Cannot have a “House of David” unless you had a David! What conservative scholarship believed all along, was confirmed. There really had been a King David, a man after God’s own heart!

3. Today’s passage sees David anointed king long before he will become king. Teenager who demonstrated unlikely potential with God’s anointing has an almost unlimited future.

Prop: Follow with me in I Sam. 16 as well reflect on 3 essential components of David’s call.

I. God Prepares the Inner Qualifications of those He Calls. I Sam. 16:1-7

A. God is concerned with the inner man whereas the world the outer.

1. The story of David begins with the failure of King Saul.

a. King Saul had disobeyed God in two significant ways (I Sam. 13&15). In one of these instances he had crossed the line of transgression when in an act of impatience and imprudence he entered the office the priesthood and sacrificed animals to God. (Illust – Biden “preaching” at Ebenezer Baptist Church. The Church is never to be used as the “stumping grounds” for politicians. Last year I was contacted by one of the candidates asked if could speak here. I politely declined. No, we will be preaching the Gospel that day.). Although Saul checked all the boxes for the outward appearance of a leader, he was deficient when it came to the place where it really matters…the inner man.

b. God rejects King Saul for this blatant transgression. The national prophet Samuel is grieved. He was the one who anointed Saul. He felt loyalty towards Saul. The prophet was lamenting this disastrous transgression. God’s answer was thunderous and corrective: “How long will you grieve over Saul?” In other words: Saul is done. Quit crying and get to work! (Now would actually be several years before Saul would die, but God’s unchangeable plan begins with finding David to be his replacement.) (Why didn’t God kill Saul right then? II Peter 3:9 (Read! Saul was disqualified by actions but God was still concerned for salvation.)

2. As a Result of Saul’s Disobedience Samuel is Called by God to Fulfill a very Tricky Task.

a. v.1b God calls Samuel to anoint a new king. Tricky politically! Usually anoint a new king at death of the old king. Easier/safer for everyone! My friend, God’s kingdom will always succeed. God’s plans will always be fulfilled. The safest place to be is in the middle of God’s will. God always has a purpose and God always has a person, even when he doesn’t look like what we think he should look like!

b. Samuel, then, like you and me today, need to remain faithful to what God asks of us regardless of the consequences.

B. In Samuel’s Interchange with Jesse, the father of David, we realize that God Emphasizes the Importance of the Inner Man.

1. God’s Criteria for Selection Contradicts Humanity’s Standard.

a. I find it interesting that here we see Samuel, the aged prophet of the nation, a man of spiritual maturity and discernment leaning towards choosing the next ruler by using the say standard that had been used for Saul. Samule was looking for another tall and handsome man when sees Jesse’s oldest son, Eliab. Kingly appearance! My friend, beware of choosing individuals based on looks, personality, fame. Notoriety, beauty, or celebrity!