3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.’ 1 Samuel 16
The Lord told Samuel to stop mourning for Saul, whom He had rejected and go to Jesse of Bethlehem and anoint one of his sons as the next king of Israel. Samuel wasn’t shown who the next king would be, he had to go and stand with Jesse and his family. There may well be times when we have to step out in obedience to the Lord and go to the place the Spirit directs us without knowing what’s going to happen next. There may be a safeguard in this, because we can’t tell others what the Lord’s going to do before we get there.
Samuel actually went in the guise of offering a sacrifice to do the Lord’s will, so that Saul wouldn’t try to stop him from anointing a new king. God may require us to be silent about what He’s told us to do, so that it will only be revealed in His time. The enemy always wants to prevent the plan of God, so there’s wisdom in keeping our own council until God releases us to share.
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.’ 1 Samuel 16
What began next was a process of elimination, God rejected each brother in turn. God may choose to lead us by closing doors and options until only one possibility remains. This may seem bewildering but God eventually led Samuel through this process to the one He had chosen. The youngest son hadn’t even been invited to join the others, he was the least likely candidate, but He was God’s choice.
Samuel said, ‘Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.’
12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.
Then the Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; this is the one.’ 1 Samuel 16
David’s fine appearance was noted, his good points were highlighted for us. We may see some good points that attract us to move in a certain direction, they can be God’s confirmation that it’s the right option for us. But the clincher was that once David was anointed the Spirit of God came upon him.
13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.
If God is in something we should look for His confirmation that we’re on the right path. He came upon the young David in power, something noticeable occurred once Samuel chose him.
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.
‘He does all things well.’ Mark 7:37