(Read 1 Samuel 16:14-23)
This morning I continue our series entitled, “Standing on a Word from God.” This is Part 34 of the series and Part 6 of the life of David.
Friday 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. While there he anointed David to be the next king of Israel. He did this right in front of his father and brothers. These were the same people who conveniently left him out of the lineup. If that were not enough, after the prophet left they all attempted to go back to their normal lives. But God would not allow that to happen. David’s destiny had been set in motion. So after a few days, a royal messenger knocked on Jesse’s door and said, “Mr. Jesse, king Saul requests that you send him your son David, the shepherd.”
When you think about this, I want you to notice how David did not initiate any of it. 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. God was the initiator. God had called David and He was ready to set things in motion that would propel David into his destiny. God did all of this by His unearned and amazing grace. This makes David’s story a grace-case from start to finish. Guess what? When people read your life’s story, God wants to be the STAR on every page. This is why He wants you to make you a grace-case as well.
Jesse was not going to turn down the king, so he sent David to Saul. He actually sent his son 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 it. David was OPEN to whatever God was doing. He did not question the coronation, nor did he question the call from the king. David went to king Saul and began serving him. This is how we are supposed to live. As God opens doors, we walk through them, even if we don’t fully understand what He is doing.
David go to the palace and started ministering to the king he was destined to replace. Whenever the tormenting spirit troubled Saul, David played the harp, the spirit would go away, and Saul felt better. This caused king Saul to send the following message to Jesse: “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? A few things:
1. There is a certain level of mystery associated with walking with God.
a) God made plans for us before the world began. He reveals those plans to us in His timing. We only get to know what He chooses to reveal, when He chooses to reveal it.
b) God will reveal Himself, but He does not have to explain Himself. God revealed some things to David and He started to set things in motion. I am sure David had no clue how his life was ultimately going to pan out. But he was willing to enjoy the ride. He did not fight the process. We can learn from David. Our heart must be OPEN to whatever God is doing, however He is doing it.
c) As we walk and live by faith, we won’t know everything. God will reveal enough for us to maximize the season we are in. But He will not give us all the answers when we want them. 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.
a) The prophet anointed David to be king. The Spirit of the Lord came upon David with power from that moment. However, afterwards, David went back to his sheep. He had no earthly idea how he was going to end up in the palace. But while he was wondering, God was working. God had David’s name in the king’s mouth. Before David realized it, a messenger from the king came and escorted him to the palace. That’s how God is. He is always working. When we opens a door we could have never opened on our own, we must be willing to walk through it, believing God the entire way.
b) 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, this is a season of expectation for me. I expect You to open doors for me that I could not open for myself. I expect You to set things in motion that propel me into my destiny. I expect You to work in my life in ways that far exceed human power and ability. I trust You Father 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. Because You love me, 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 know I am going to heaven and I am also thankful that I am going to ENJOY THE RIDE! I enter this day ready to experience the JOURNEY with You! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
