Text: 1 Samuel 16:1-23
Yahweh tells Samuel to anoint the next king, even though he will not begin to serve for several more years to come. Samuel goes to Bethlehem, takes a cow for a sacrifice, and invites Jesse. When Samuel saw Jesse’s firstborn son, Eliab, he was impressed by Eliab’s height and looks. But “God does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance; but God looks at the heart (v.7). And so it was with all the other sons of Jesse. However, when David, the youngest, was brought before Samuel, Yahweh told him that this young man was the one. When the symbolic anointing oil was poured onto David, the Holy Spirit came upon him mightily.
This is a picture of God’s choice of His own Son to serve as the eternal King.
When Jesus came into our world, He was placed in the womb of Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit prophesied through Simeon about Jesus as Redeemer. At the water baptism of John, the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus. Jesus Himself baptized with the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him throughout His earthly ministry. We, who belong to Christ, have been filled with the same Holy Spirit.
Meditate on verse 7. How are you going to apply it in your church?
Almighty Father, I acknowledge that You are Omniscient and the fountain of all knowledge; I pray that You spiritually equip us to always choose the right leaders, both spiritual and civil in our community. In the name of Jesus Christ I have prayed. Amen.