The Anointing of David: A Lesson in Humility
1 Samuel 16:9, "Jesse said, 'There remains yet the youngest; and he is tending the sheep.' And Samuel said, 'Send and bring him, for we will not sit down until he comes here.'"
In this sermon, we will explore the anointing of David as recorded in 1 Samuel 16. This passage is significant because it marks the beginning of David's journey as the future King of Israel, and it provides valuable lessons on humility, faith, and God's sovereignty.
God's Choice: The Unexpected One
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" (1 Samuel 16:7)
In this passage, we see God's unexpected choice of David, the youngest son of Jesse, to be the next King of Israel. God rejected the first seven sons of Jesse, not because they were not worthy, but because they did not have the heart that God was looking for. God's choice of David, a mere shepherd boy, was a surprise to Samuel and to Jesse's family.
The Lesson of Humility
The anointing of David teaches us the importance of humility. David, the youngest son, was not considered by his family to be worthy of the position of king. He was overlooked, just like he was overlooked by his family when they invited Samuel to sacrifice. However, God saw the heart of David, and He chose him to be the next King of Israel.
The Sovereignty of God
The anointing of David also highlights the sovereignty of God. God's ways are not our ways, and His choices often surprise us. The story of David reminds us that God is the one who chooses, not based on human standards, but based on His own sovereign will.
Conclusion
The anointing of David is a powerful reminder of the importance of humility and the sovereignty of God. As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves: Are we humble enough to recognize God's sovereignty in our lives? Are we willing to trust God's ways, even when they are not our ways? May we learn from the story of David and may we trust God to guide us in our own journeys.
Application Questions
- How do you respond when God's ways do not make sense to you?
- In what ways can you demonstrate humility in your daily life?
- How can you trust God's sovereignty in your life, even when circumstances seem uncertain?
