You King David

09Jul
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 does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’ 

-1 Samuel 16:7


This passage comes from Samuel, describing his visit with Jesse and his family to search out the new King appointed for God’s people. Samuel asks Jesse to bring his sons and one by one he admires them for their stature. In my mind it’s a parade of young men who all look “kingish”. I suppose that means tall, strong, wizened perhaps. Young men who look as if they could be brave warriors or intelligent rulers. But the Lord keeps telling Samuel, “Nope - not this one.” Finally, Samuel, perhaps frustrated and a bit angsty at this point, asks Jesse, “The Lord hasn’t chosen any of these, are these all the sons you have?” To which Jesse replies, “The youngest but he is keeping sheep.” It reminds me of Cinderella’s stepmother. “I mean, there is one more girl in the house but she’s just the servant! She couldn’t be the one you are looking for! And I’m pretty sure she doesn’t wear glass slippers!” 


But when David appears, the Lord says, “Rise up and anoint him, in front of his brothers.” And as soon as Samuel does so, the Spirit of the Lord comes down onto David. 


We know that David’s story doesn’t end here. He goes on to kill Goliath. He ascends to kingship where he writes some beautiful poetry but also does some pretty bad things (steals a friend’s wife and then has said friend killed in battle, etc.) and has to reconcile himself to the Lord. I wonder if, when the Lord looked on David’s heart, he saw all that was to come - the good and the bad. Or did he just see the throughline? Did He see that David, despite his shortcomings, would remain true in faith and come back to the Lord in the end? 


I pray that when the Lord looks on my heart, He can see the striving. I’m not there yet, but I’m trying. May the Spirit of the Lord come down on me, too. Come down to all of us. So that our hearts, our minds, and our actions may be aligned with the Lord. 


Musical Reflection - Forever Young - Rod Stewart


Dear Lord. In this time of sadness and darkness, please be with us. Remind us that you are an ever loving presence, discerning our hearts, willing us to come to you. Please provide comfort to those who mourn and strength to those who suffer. Please remind us that those you would anoint based on the purity of their heart and their love of you walk amongst us daily. Perhaps they even are us! If only we can be like young King David and believe and serve. In your name we pray, Amen.

Old TestamentServicePentecost

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