It was time for Samuel to pick God’s king for Israel. Samuel was still struggling with the idea that Saul was so far off the mark. In addition, Saul knew God had rejected him–it would only be a matter of time until He would be removed–so Saul was scared of losing his kingdom. So when God sent Samuel to the house of Jesse, Samuel was rightly concerned for his safety and the safety of the new king.
Jesse had some fine sons, each handsome and strong. So when Samuel would see them, each one seemed fine–but not to God. God sent each of the ones that looked like “Cool Kings” back and called for the youngest–the shepherd. God flat out told Samuel–do not focus upon the men’s appearance, but, instead look at their hearts. God wanted a king that was of the right heart. a king that would chase God and shepherd Israel. God wanted a king that would allow God to lead and bless the people as a result.
In life, we intuitively know that it is the shepherds, the servant leaders that truly impact the world. Yet, we all continue to look for the cool kings that look good and are charismatic. We want to lead and be led by those that others would expect to be kings of our lives. Jesus was not that guy–“yet, he was truly the most definitive figure ever to stalk the panorama of human history.” Soren Kierkegaard. Moses was not that guy, yet in the Judeo-Christian world, he defined faith, leadership true redemption of a free people. We can also be that guy, we simply must deny ourselves, take up Christ’s cross daily and follow Him. Luke 9:23. God never chooses the most qualified; He instead qualifies those He has chosen–Please, Lord help me to be humble, grateful and qualify me to complete the mission You have set before me.
God Bless You
The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”
2 But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.”
The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.”
4 Samuel did what the Lord said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?”
5 Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.”
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”
Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”
Walking With God 