Every story has a beginning. Here is our introduction to the man who became the greatest king of Israel. Other kings may have reigned longer. Some were richer. But none had the place David had in God's heart or in the Bible. We do not know how long Saul had reigned when it became apparent he would go his own way and not the Lord's. Finally God said, "Enough, I have chosen another man to be king over my people". So God sent the prophet-priest Samuel to Bethlehem, the home of Jesse, who is the grandson of Boaz and Ruth, the Moabites. There he would find the one God had chosen. It would have been interesting to see the parade of Jesse's seven sons in front of Samuel, beginning with the eldest, Eliab. Samuel was sure that this fine strong young man must be the one. Then came God's words spoken to Samuel's heart and mind. Notice the final sentence of verse 7 with its tremendous statement, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." How it is still true today. Finally David, the shepherd boy was sent for. He had no time to change his clothes. He came as he was, his sunburn face showing his constant exposure to the weather. God spoke again, "This is the one. Anoint him." We do not know how long it took before David was crowned king and the span of time between anointing and coronation. At least ten if not fifteen years were to go by. They were difficult and dangerous years and David had to wait for God's time. Sometimes David was really discouraged (see I Samuel 27:1) but some of his experiences with the Lord are preserved for us in Psalms 73 which he later wrote. A study of his life can be richly rewarding. We cannot cover every detail but will look at several incidents together over the next few days. A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: If God has given you a promise, He will fulfill it. Wait for His time. God is faithful to His word. |
沒有留言:
張貼留言