During the weeks of Advent, we’re looking at some of the stories of Jesus’ ancestors. Today: David.
Today’s scripture: Matthew 1:1-6, I Samuel 16: 1-13 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Julie Benson):
Imagine the buzz in Bethlehem when great judge and prophet, Samuel, approached the small village. They had no inkling of his business there, but the scripture says they responded with fear and trembling. Once David began his rule, I can envision the town looking back on that day, their confusion replaced with joy, pride, and hope that a long line of Bethlehem’s own may rule for generations to come.
Imagine how Samuel must have developed a list during his journey to Bethlehem with the expectations and qualifications the chosen king should possess. Samuel felt confident the Lord would agree that the elder “tall, dark, and handsome” child of Jesse should be chosen, but was quickly commanded to continue the search. I can sense how Samuel could have felt inept for having to abandon the ideals he assumed would match God’s own list of ideals.
Imagine how it must have felt to each of Jesse’s sons as he was paraded in front of Samuel. Personalities and skills would vary in each man. Some would have presented themselves with confidence while others appeared nervous. Each was probably filled with the anxiety of interviewing and inner hope of being granted whatever position Samuel was there to offer. Each of those seven men must have felt inadequate when rejected! Each brother may have felt some anger or bitterness when the youngest of them all was selected!
Imagine how a young, vibrant David must have felt when he was anointed with oil. It’s possible that at that moment David could have received the wisdom from the Holy Spirit to realize he had been chosen as king. More likely, however, David was probably uncertain of the mission God had laid before him, and simply received this special anointing by a great prophet. I can picture David’s walk back to the sheep in the fields following this affair. He must have been full of wonder in his conversation with God.
We, here today, are not all chosen to be a king or a supervisor at work or a ministry team leader at church or [insert your dream here]. We wonder why we didn’t get that job interview or that promotion at work. We wallow in disappointment when we are rejected for a date. We develop lists of ideals and expectations and feel crushed when they don’t work out. We ask God with expectation for that special desire or wish in our hearts, but despair when we are told no. We look at others with jealousy and resentment for filling the spot we feel we were destined to fill.
We can’t always know what God has in store for us. The good news is that God has selected each one of us for something special and unique. It may not be clear at the time. It may not be our original agenda. It may include growing through painful and challenging experiences. It may involve repeated rejection. It may require us to address feelings of envy or greed. But you are not alone. God has selected you — and God has selected your boss, your co-workers, your siblings, and your friends — for something very special!
Thought for the day: Let’s learn to celebrate the plans God has for our lives, as well as those around us. I can only imagine the joy it will bring!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.