Scripture(s):
1 Samuel 16:1, 10-13 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king…” Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
”There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”
Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 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.” 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.
2 Samuel 5:4 David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.
Devotion: As we continue our devotionals this week, pondering on why God seems so slow at times, today we’re looking at a great example of God’s purpose in the waiting through the life of David.
In our passage today, we meet David as a young shepherd boy. Scholars mostly agree David was about 15 years old when he was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king of Israel. He was so insignificant at the time, that his father didn’t even include him when Samuel asked to see his sons. But God saw beyond the external into David’s heart and chose him to lead Israel after He had rejected Saul as king.
Notice that David did not actually become king until 15 years later (2 Samuel 5:4). Talk about waiting! If you’re at all familiar with David’s story, you’ll recognize that God did incredible work in and through David in those years. Recall these few:
- He was strengthened in body and courage as he kept his sheep, killing both a lion and a bear. (1 Samuel 17:37)
- He defeated the Philistine giant Goliath while all Israel’s armies stood by shaking in fear. (1 Samuel 17:45-54)
- God molded David into a great military leader. (1 Samuel 18:5)
- God refined David’s character as he served Saul and caused the people of Israel and Judah to revere him. (1 Samuel 18:14-15)
- God protected David despite Saul’s repeated attempts to kill him. (1 Samuel 18 and 19)
- God built David’s trust in His timing, showing respect for Saul as the Lord’s anointed until his death. (1 Samuel 24:6)
In all the time David was waiting, God was working.
Reflect:
- As you consider David’s life and all he endured in the waiting years of his life, how might his story encourage you in your waiting?
- What might God be doing in your life as you trust Him more with your circumstances?
