You are Destiny’s Child

This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.”  Yesterday I introduced you to David, another grace case.  I told you how Samuel was instructed of God to go to Bethlehem, to Jesse’s house, and to anoint one of Jesse’s sons to be Saul’s replacement as the next king of Israel.  It is understandable why Samuel initially thought Jesse’s firstborn would be the one.  In addition to being a good looking young man, Hebrew tradition placed the greatest blessing on the firstborn son.  But God, by HIs grace, had other plans.

It’s disappointing to me that when Samuel was preparing for the supposed worship, and he asked Jesse to have his boys join him in the ceremonial act of cleansing, that Jesse did not think it necessary to send one of the boys to get David.  Jesse went through the entire rite with seven of his eight boys, and it seemingly did not bother him that David, the little shepherd boy, was out tending sheep.  It also bothers me that not one of the brothers said anything.  It’s almost like David was the forgotten son.  He was the youngest, and he was out doing his family duties, but when it seemed like the family forgot about David, God certainly did not.

After learning of the eighth and final son, Samuel told Jesse, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”  I can picture the awkwardness of the moment.  Jesse sent one of his boys to get David and he and the other six sons waited, without really knowing why the man of God was in their home, and not knowing what this had to do with David.  But when David arrived it all became clear.  The Lord spoke to the prophet, clearly telling Samuel that David was the one He picked, and Samuel then took the horn full of oil (that had been consecrated to the Lord), and anointed David right in front of his father and brothers.  It was like the Lord was saying, “You might not have picked him, but I did.”  So right there, at that moment, without any explanation of why, without any qualifiers of exceptional performance or service, the Lord selected a teenager to be the next king of Israel, in front of a family that did not even ensure he was in the lineup.  That, my friends, is grace.  Not just any grace.  It is the grace of God, and yes, it is amazing!

So what does this mean to you today?  A few things:
1.  You might be overlooked, omitted, and even oppressed by others, but that does not change the fact that you are destined.  You are Destiny’s Child!
2.  God can bless you right in front of those who dismissed you.
3.  The oil (blessing) reserved for you, will not flow for anyone else.  No one can take your blessing.  That’s why you don’t need to get upset when others get blessed.  They have their blessings and you have yours.
4.  Sometimes God interrupts your day, in the middle of a routine task, in order to bless you richly.  Not because you necessarily did anything to deserve it, but simply because of His grace and love towards you.

Closing Confession:  Father, like David, I know You have destined me for Your purpose.  When I am overlooked by others, You notice.  When I am omitted from the lineup, You have a way of stopping everything until I show up.  Nothing man can do to me can stop what You have destined for me.  I am Destiny’s Child.  Your Kingdom plans and purposes for me shall come to pass.  You prepare a table for me, to bless me, right in front of my enemies.  You elevate me before those who sought to come against me, just to show how much You love Your children.  And Father, I will never claim to deserve all You freely give me.  You loved me before I ever cared about You.  You opened doors for me before I even acknowledged You were working in my life.  You bless me way beyond anything I could ever deserve.  I know You do it by grace, and for that I will never cease to give You praise.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.