(Read 1 Samuel 16:14-23)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.” Yesterday we saw how David, who seemingly attempted to go back to his normal life, was quickly summoned by the king to serve as his personal musician. I can only imagine how this went over in Mr. Jesse’s household. First, the king’s personal prophet visited Bethlehem and caused a commotion in the town. The prophet chose to visit Jesse’s house and anointed David to be the next king of Israel right in front of his father and brothers, the same people who had omitted him from the lineup. If that were not enough, after the prophet left and after they attempted to go back to life as usual, a royal messenger knocked on Jesse’ door and said, “Mr. Jesse, king Saul requests that you send him your son David, the shepherd.” Once again, notice how David did nothing to initiate all the commotion. David was minding his own business, going about his daily routine, when his brother came to get him for the impromptu coronation ceremony. And later, after David attempted to go back to his normal life, he was minding his own business again when the royal messenger knocked on the door. Do you know what it’s called when you seemingly do nothing to initiate God’s blessing, but it comes anyway? The answer, my friend, is grace. David was a grace case start-to-finish. God sought him out and God went out of His way to bless David richly. Not because David earned it or deserved it, but simply because of God’s amazing grace.
Jesse was not going to turn down the king, so he sent David to Saul, along with a young goat, a donkey loaded with bread, and a wineskin full of wine. Notice how Jesse was not thinking that this was a grace case. Jesse was not sure what was going to happen and he did not want the king to be upset with him, so he sent gifts, just to make sure (in his mind anyway), that everything would work out fine for David and for his family. This is probably more attention than he had ever received in his life, and he was not sure how to handle it. David, however, rolled with the punches. David did not question the coronation, nor did he question the call from the king. David went to king Saul and began serving him. Whenever the tormenting spirit troubled Saul, David would play the harp, the spirit would go away, and Saul would feel better. Saul sent word to Jesse asking, “Please let David remain in my service, for I am very pleased with him.” The Bible says, “Saul loved David very much, and David became his armor bearer.” We will stop here for today.
So what does this mean to you today? Two things:
1. There is a certain level of mystery associated with walking with God. This is something that I am dealing with personally right now. I like to know what is going on, but my Pastor reminded me last night that we only get to know whatever the Lord chooses to reveal to us. We won’t know everything, but we will know what we need to know in order to walk and live by faith. David did not know what was going on, but he knew God was doing something and he flowed with it. We should do the same.
2. When God opens a door, walk through it with trust and confidence. David had to trust God while he was tending his father’s sheep. While in the field he experienced hand-to-paw combat with a lion and a bear and he wound up killing both animals with his bare hands. Now the Lord was leading him in a different direction; one that took him before the king of Israel. David went and did what was asked of him, trusting God the entire way. The same God who kept him on the plains would keep him in the palace. And what was true for David is true for you. Walk through every door the Father opens for you, knowing that He is not leading you to failure! The same God who kept you then, will keep you now!
Closing Confession: Father, I trust You with my whole heart. I will not know everything, and while that is somewhat difficult to accept, I accept the fact that You love me and You reveal to me what I need to know, when I need to know it. I get to know what You allow me to know and in the areas where I don’t know, I simply trust You. I walk by faith in the areas where You give me a promise and You want me to stand on Your Word. But in the areas where I am not sure what Your will is, I will walk by trust, believing that You love me too much to lead me astray. So, I will walk through every door You open for me, with trust and confidence. I have confidence that You will do what You have promised mel and I have trust in the areas where I am unsure and uncertain. Either way, I love You, I am convinced You love me, and I live my life based on that reality! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
