Reading 22 March Lent 4
Read: 1 Sam 16:1-13
There are multiple facets to this story, many of which are hard for us to truly grasp. As a background let us recognise the most interesting transaction in this passage. Samuel has to reject Saul and this causes him real grief, and even some fear. There had been tension between King Saul and the prophet Samuel but still as Samuel contemplates Saul’s rejection there is a sense of loss and sadness. Samuel had nurtured Saul from his initial calling, now he has to dissolve Saul’s right to leadership of God’s people. As godly people we too need to grieve when someone loses a sense of call and forfeits the ability to lead in effective ways.
Despite his feelings Samuel is called to account before God himself. God has called and Samuel cannot but obey, no matter how painful it is for him personally. Sometimes doing God’s work means we have to display an honesty which is hard to bear. Of course as we read this passage we have the advantage of hind-sight, knowing that King David was destined to be the greatest earthly king Israel would ever know, Samuel had no such advantage, his was a difficult path of trust. Each day we too are called to walk in trust with God, following his direction. It is not always easy and sometimes it will be very difficult, yet that is how God asks us to live.
One of the most obvious themes is that the Lord looks on the heart of the person not on the outside and more obvious features. Psychologists tell us that while all babies are beautiful it is the prettiest babies who get the most attention from strangers. And it is easier to be attracted to people who fit our understanding of good or worthy people rather than the outcast or the different stranger; despite the gospel challenging us to welcome the outcast and the stranger.
Despite many interesting themes it is verse 13 which has attracted my attention, The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. Yes David was handsome and young but the key thing here is that from the time of his anointing the Spirit of the Lord was upon David. At the Lord’s choosing came the equipping. David’s story tells us that his faults and flaws were numerous yet he chose always to be open to the Lord both to empower and also to chastise and correct. Saul was similarly equipped to be king but somehow fell short and perhaps in that is a warning to everyone who is equipped to serve. But staying with David, despite his failures David achieved great things for the Lord in the life and history of Israel. Though other kings may have had more commercial success David towers over all the other kings in what he achieved for the nation of God’s people. David kept a close relationship with God. Still hanging over the story is the thought that both Saul and David were chosen for kingship, both were flawed human beings; David went on to great thing whilst Saul ended in ignominy. What does that teach us about us as people called to serve in God’s name?
Prayer: Holy Lord God we come before you in prayer asking for your mercy and grace to cover all who are called to serve in your Name. We pray for those who have huge responsibilities placed upon them as they seek to fulfil your call; and we also pray for those whose calling is less visible though no less important: May all who are called to serve rely on your strength and Spirit alone: May all be able to keep you at the very centre of all they do.
Lord, daily living brings with it much tension and stress. Help us each to place our trust in you, listen for your guidance, and be ready to follow along those paths that you would walk. When we go astray, Lord call us back, and keep our feet on solid ground. Grow in us the will to serve you alone, the strength to live a life of truth, a humble life that recognises your right to rule and our obligation to serve. As you have been gracious to us, so may we be gracious to one another. May we be worthy of the name, Christian. May our whole life be lived under your direction, until we meet the destination you have prepared for us. Above all us keep strong in our willingness to at all times and in all ways to follow you in obedience. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen
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