City Life Starter

Written by Stefan Johnsson

The Word

6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

1st Samuel 16:6-13 (ESV)

Interpretation

It is interesting to read how God chose David to be king in his origin story. In comparison to Saul, David was almost the complete opposite. Saul stood out amongst the Israelites based on his height. He was shoulder length taller than anyone else (1 Sam. 9:2). David was a young teenager, somewhere around the age of thirteen. Saul was also the most handsome man in all the land, which is interesting to compare with the story of David. David was handsome, but there was more focus on the inner heart of the man than the outside appearance. One may wonder how David’s brother Eliab looked in comparison when Samuel thought that this was who would be the next king.

God also anointed Saul as a leader/prince over the people, but never as king. David was the one who was anointed king. It is a small but important distinction between two (see 1 Sam 9:16, 10:1,4 vs. 1 Sam 16:1). The most interesting feature is the characters traits that they exuded. Saul hid himself amongst the baggage when he knew that God had chosen him to reign over His people (see. 1 Sam 10:22). On the other hand, David was bold, a shepherd in his teens who hunted and killed lions and bears (see 1 Sam. 17:36). He was a protector of what God had given him.

David was not chosen because of his looks, but because he acted like a king before he was ever chosen by God. Even though he was the youngest in his family of brothers, he protected what was given to him. He was a shepherd who who not let any harm come to his flock and hunted down any predators that came close. David exuded character traits of a king before he was given the blessing by God to be one. Saul did not show these same characteristics and never stood up to face the enemies of God when it mattered and failed to be the protector he needed to be.

God was looking for someone who would protect His people and David became that person based on his fearless attitude and courage in protecting his father’s sheep. This was why David’s lineage would lead to King Jesus and not that of Saul’s.

Application

David’s origin story is one that shows us how God looks not at your outward appearance, but what is inside. And if God picks you to lead or serve anywhere in life, it would mean that you are already showing those character traits to begin with. You cannot be a leader in bigger areas of life if you cannot lead in smaller ones.

David still had many failures in his life, but his origin helps us understand that God sees you for the gifts and skills He has given you. Your gifts are important to the work of God’s kingdom and it is your responsibility to use these for the greater good. Also, be strong and courageous to protect those whom God has given you to lead and serve.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for giving me gifts that i can steward and use for Your kingdom. Help me to be bold and courageous as David was so I can protect what you have given me. Thank you Father for everything. In Jesus’ name, amen.