A Heart For God

Opener

Good Morning, Macedonia Church of Christ! I thank God for this opportunity to speak to you all this morning. Thank you, Pastor Etheridge, for the invitation. Y'all give it up for your Pastor. I call him TJ, and he lives out the gospel daily, not by his words but by his actions. Jesus says they will know you are my disciples if you love one another. My name is Dawayne McIntosh, and my wife did an incredible job with the bio, so I will spare you further details about myself. I would like to honor her today and the 15+ years of our marriage. As well as my children, who are here with me this morning. Are y'all ready to raise the bar this morning?

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 16:6-7

CSB Bible: 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Certainly the LORD’s anointed one is here before him.” 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the LORD sees, for humans see what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart.”

Prayer

Learning Points

What does it look like to be patient in God's process when things don't go as planned in your life?

How does the concept of God's anointing differ between the Old Testament and the New Testament?

In what ways can we cultivate a heart that longs for God in our daily lives?

Intro

Before he was an Oscar-winning actor, Denzel Washington failed out of college and didn’t know what he wanted to do. It was the words of a stranger he encountered in his mother’s beauty parlor that changed everything. She asked Washington for a pen and paper. “I have a prophecy,” she told him. “Boy, you are going to travel the world and speak to millions of people.” A few months later, Washington decided to become an actor, and in the years since, he has gone around the world and influenced the lives of millions. “What she told me that day has stayed with me,” he said. “I’ve been protected. I’ve been directed.… I didn’t always stick with [God], but he always stuck with me.”

Matthew McConaughey drifted from God as his acting career took off, but reconnected with his faith when he married his wife, Camila. When they were pregnant with their first child, they talked about several options revolving around a Bible verse. “My favorite [verse in] the Bible is Matthew 6:22: ‘If thy eye be single, thy whole body will be full of light,’” McConaughey said. They talked about Levi—Matthew’s name before he began to follow Jesus, as a possible alternative. The choice of a name became clear when their son was born at 6:22. They named him Levi.

In 2014, actor and former Saturday Night Live cast member Tracy Morgan was in a serious car accident that left him in a coma for two weeks. During this time, Tracy says, he got a glimpse of heaven. He was greeted there by his father. “I just remember him saying, ‘I’m not ready for you, son,’” Tracy said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey on her show, SuperSoul Sunday. Then Tracy woke up in the hospital. Doctors worried that he’d never walk again, let alone perform. Against the odds, he made a complete recovery. Tracy said that the experience changed his perspective, making him more aware of how, as human beings, we’re meant to look out for one another. “What we see sometimes down here on Earth, there ain’t no room for that up in heaven,” he said.

In 1651, the great philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote, 'There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing.' This longing for God is a universal feeling, resonating through centuries, showing us that at our core, we desire connection with our Creator. Like a compass pointing north, our hearts yearn for Him, reminding us to seek Him in our daily lives.

Background

Man have always been challenged with the option to serve God or themselves. People have looked at the appearance of an indivdiual to judge their character. God reminds Samuel, that I am looking at the heart.

Why is Samuel sent to anoint a new King when the current one is still living?

Because In 1 Samuel Chapter 15, we see God sends Samuel to tell King Saul to annihilate the Amalekites, their king, their livestock, everything, to not keep anything from this wicked and sinful group. See, the Amalekites were enemies to Israel and God. They had already been a barrier. They were a wicked and despicable nation.

Saul goes and defeats the Amalekites, but he captures King Agag and retains the “good” livestock to make a sacrifice to the Lord.

Side Bar - When God tells you to get rid of something wicked in your life, be obedient.

The Lord then tells Samuel that he regrets having made Saul King. He sends Samuel to tell Saul that he will be anointing another as king and that God has removed his spirit from him. Saul pleads to Samuel to please let him make a sacrifice to the Lord.

Samuel then says a line that we often quote, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” Samuel leaves, and then God sends him to the house of Jesse to anoint the new King of Israel. Then we get to our current Chapter. Chapter 16.

Sermon Points

1. Plan Despite Perception

So here we are back in Chapter 16. 1 Samuel 16:1 The LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel?

Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem because I have selected for myself a king from his sons.”

The horn mentioned is likely an animal horn that had been adapted to contain oil, which was probably an aromatic vegetable oil used for anointing. This method of anointing with oil from an oil horn is believed to have been distinctive to the Syria-Palestine region. The act of filling the horn with oil and anointing was significant, as it marked the selection of a new leader and was associated with the coming of God's Spirit upon the chosen individual. In the case of David, who was anointed by Samuel using this horn of oil, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him in a lasting way from that moment forward.

1 Samuel 16:1-3

So Samuel's grief over Saul is met with God's directive to anoint a new king, displaying God's provision and foresight.

God has a plan even when we can't see it.

In our own lives, we might feel discouraged or stuck, yet God remains active, working behind the scenes.

Seeking God’s heart allows us to align with His higher purposes, reassuring us that when man's plans fail, God's provision prevails.

Encourage the congregation: Trust in God's sovereign plans, even when current circumstances seem bleak.

2. Priority of the Heart

1 Samuel 16:4–7 “Samuel did what the Lord directed and went to Bethlehem. When the elders of the town met him, they trembled and asked, “Do you come in peace?” “In peace,” he replied. “I’ve come to sacrifice to the Lord.

Why are the elders of the town scared?

The elders of the town trembled and asked Samuel, "Do you come in peace?" due to several factors that caused anxiety about his unexpected visit.

Samuel's reputation as a prophet who represented God’s authority on earth often brought punishment or bad news, which likely contributed to their apprehension.

The elders might have worried that Samuel's arrival with a sacrificial animal could indicate a response to a serious crime in the region.

Additionally, they may have been concerned about Samuel's intentions given his recent execution of Agag the Amalekite.

They could have had a guilty conscience about some sin.

The relative obscurity of their small town compared to Samuel's national prominence also likely played a role in their unease

The term "peace" in their question refers to Samuel's intentions, as they sought assurance that he came with good will.

Verse 5: Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.

He instructed the elders to consecrate themselves, which typically involved ceremonial cleansing such as bathing and putting on clean clothes.

This consecration process was designed to emphasize the importance of worshiping God and to prepare the participants for a special encounter with the divine.

The sacrifice served not only as a cover for Samuel's true mission of anointing a new king but also as a means to ensure that the people were in a proper state of reverence before God for this significant event.

Point: Do you want an encounter with God? Consecrate yourself. Repent and believe. Ask God to clean you up. Worship God with your voice, but more importantly, with your life.

Verse 6-7: When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Certainly the Lord’s anointed one is here before him.” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.”

God values the heart over appearances. As Samuel fears anointing a new king under Saul's rule, God reminds him not to be swayed by external appearances. This key lesson teaches us that while society often elevates looks and achievements, God sees the true character within. Tell the congregation to prioritize developing a heart for God, like David, over seeking worldly accolades, thus living with authenticity and integrity. Align this with a Christ-centered life that seeks to reflect Jesus' example of humility and love.

Luke 16:15 “And he told them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly admired by people is revolting in God’s sight.”

3. Patience in God's Process

1 Samuel 16:8–10 “Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel. “The Lord hasn’t chosen this one either,” Samuel said. Then Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The Lord hasn’t chosen this one either.” After Jesse presented seven of his sons to him, Samuel told Jesse, “The Lord hasn’t chosen any of these.””

The continual rejection of Jesse's sons is a lesson in patience and obedience.

God's choice of David was not apparent to human eyes, yet Samuel’s obedience sets a precedent for us to wait on God's timing and wisdom. God’s every move is meaningful, and patience in the waiting yields fruit.

Encourage: Be patience in God’s plans, trusting a greater outcome designed by His sovereign will.

Point: His own family didn't think he was qualified to be king. Get this, David’s own daddy/father didn’t think he was equipped to be King.

Has anyone ever felt overlooked? Has a relative failed to see the God ordained gift in you? You are not alone.

4. Potential in the Overlooked

1 Samuel 16:11–12 “Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” he answered, “but right now he’s tending the sheep.” Samuel told Jesse, “Send for him. We won’t sit down to eat until he gets here.” So Jesse sent for him. He had beautiful eyes and a healthy, handsome appearance. Then the Lord said, “Anoint him, for he is the one.””

So, David, the least likely candidate according to human standards. But God’s anointing of David illustrates His delight in using what the world deems insignificant to accomplish His purposes. This mirrors Christ's birth and ministry, characterized by unexpected beginnings and humble service. God uses all people, regardless of worldly status or recognition, and a heart aligned with His can lead to extraordinary purposes. This is a call to embrace our God-given identity and potential.

Most people see God anoint and/or appoint people, but we often overlook the fact that David, a shepherd boy, spent countless nights under the starry sky, playing his harp and pouring out his heart to God. He wrote in Psalm 42, 'As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.' This vivid imagery illustrates not only his desperation but also his deep yearning for God, showing us that our hearts can mirror that same longing when we cultivate a personal relationship with Him.

5. Assignment

You may be anointed for your next assignment even though it hasn't begun yet.

In the Old Testament—-Before Christ: Anointing ​ = A ritual of pouring or smearing oil on a person’s head or forehead. The ritual was often done to install someone in a new office or role of authority.

It is the act of pouring or rubbing oil on a person or object, which held significant cultural and religious importance in the Old Testament. This practice symbolized consecration and the conferral of authority, believed to be bestowed by God. In the context of leadership, anointing was primarily used for priests, kings, and occasionally prophets. The ritual set individuals apart for God's service and was considered an act performed by Yahweh Himself, even when carried out by a human agent. This divine appointment granted the anointed person special respect and, in some cases, was accompanied by spiritual empowerment.

The anointing is not some mystical something out there. The anointing is the presence and power of God manifested.

Rodney Howard-Browne

The anointing is indeed God’s word, not as it is preached externally in the community, but as it is received by faith into men’s hearts and remains active, thanks to the work of the Spirit.

I. Howard Marshall

In ancient Israel, anointing with oil symbolized special favor from God. When David was anointed by Samuel, it marked him as chosen, not just for his kingship but also for God's purposes. Today, being anointed continues to signify a divine appointment in our lives, reminding us that we too are set apart for God’s mission in a world that needs His light.

Imagine being selected for a team where everyone else looks up to you as a leader. In biblical times, anointing was God's way of saying, "You are my choice for this important role." Just as kings or priests were anointed with oil, we also are called to be leaders in our communities through our faith, setting an example of Christ-like love and service.

The act of anointing is like a parent giving their child a special blessing before a big event. In biblical times, oil was used to prepare individuals for sacred duties. It was a confirmation of purpose. Today, we still seek God’s anointing in our lives, asking Him to empower us for the tasks ahead, as we step into our unique purposes.

Christian Standard Bible Chapter 16

Verse 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully on David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

after David's anointing, "the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power".

Remember, David was anointed king as a young boy, but there were many years before he became King. He was a shepherd boy who attended to his father's sheep, then he went on to bring food to his brothers in battle and defeated Goliath.

This is not the message but I have to make a quick point about his battle with Goliath. The isralelites were trembling at this battle. But David walks up and immediately states who is this uncircumcised Philistine defied the living God.

Point:. Anointed leaders view the situation from a unique perspective.

Don't try to duplicate someone else. Be the leader God called you to be.

The Giants in our lives are not as big as we make them out to be if we see it through God's viewpoint.

Point: When God anoints you, your perspective changes. The Israelites saw a big Giant. David knew he served a big God.

Then, when Saul was possessed by an unclean spirit, he was a minister of music who would play with such an anointing that the unclean spirit would leave Saul. Saul makes him his armor bearer, then he goes on to be a fierce warrior in battle, and then he finally becomes King.

What am I telling you, when God anoints you, your gift will make room for you. God will see the character of your heart and instruct people to elevate you, and you don’t even know why.

David was anointed to be King of Israel yet he served faithfully until he became King.

Command: Who is willing to serve despite a title? Who is willing to serve when no one is watching? Who is willing to serve for the kingdom? God is looking at your heart.

Story: God's elevation in 2018 - I haven't had an interview since 2018. When God wants to elevate you, he doesn’t need your help. When he anoints you, he gives you power.

Application

Home

You may find that daily distractions in your home make it hard to cultivate a heart that longs for God. Set aside 15 minutes each morning to read Scripture and pray. Use a journal to jot down questions or thoughts that arise as you read. This intentional time can transform your morning routine into a sacred space, connecting you with God's heart before you begin engaging with the day's demands.

School

At school, you might feel pressure to fit in, which can lead you to neglect your spiritual life. Create a prayer group with a few friends during lunchtime. Spend those moments discussing a Scripture verse and how it applies to your lives, then pray together. This not only strengthens your bond with God but also fosters a supportive community that encourages one another in faith within the school environment.

Church

In children's church, it’s easy to get distracted while singing songs or listening to stories. After your time at church, ask your parents if you can create a ‘God time’ at home. Choose a favorite story from the Bible, act it out, or create a drawing about it. This creative engagement helps you develop a deeper understanding and longing for God’s presence while having fun with your family.

Work

If your work environment leaves you feeling spiritually drained, consider integrating brief 'God moments' into your workday. Set specific alarms on your phone to remind you to pause for a couple of minutes and pray or reflect on a comforting Bible verse. This practice can help refresh your spirit, keep your focus on God, and provide you with the strength to navigate any workplace challenges.

Public

When you're out in public with friends, you may face temptations that draw you away from God. Next time you're hanging out, suggest an activity that fosters positive conversations, such as volunteering at a local charity or attending a community clean-up event. Engaging in these activities not only deepens your relationship with God but also inspires your peers to pursue a life that reflects His love in the community.

Closing

David’s anointing foreshadows Christ, who is the ultimate King and the one who fulfills the promise of a ruler after God’s own heart.

In the New Testament, Jesus was referred to as the 'Anointed One' or Messiah. His anointing symbolized His divine authority and mission to redeem humanity. Similarly, when we accept Christ, we become part of that anointing; we carry the light and love of Jesus into our world. This calls us to live not only for ourselves but to serve others faithfully.

The term "messiah" (māšîaḥ in Hebrew) means "anointed one" and was often used to designate Israel's king, particularly those from the Davidic line.

Interestingly, the practice of anointing political leaders was not rooted in pre-monarchic Israelite tradition but emerged with the establishment of the monarchy.

The significance of anointing extended beyond leadership roles, also being used in religious rituals, hospitality, and even for medicinal purposes.

David’s journey foreshadows another King. Jesus Christ is the ultimate anointed King. He too was overlooked, he too was mistreated, he too, was anointed for a particular purpose. But his father did believe in him; he did affirm him.

This man by the name Jesus, then makes the ultimate sacrifice and lays down his life so that we can have forgiveness, so that we can have hope, so that we can be saved. He is not a high priest that who is unable to sympathize with our feelings and emotions.

He is God in the flesh who experienced everything you have experienced and yet did not sin. But became sin so that we can be made righteous by his finished work.

And when you put saving trust in Jesus, you receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which then indwells you.

Remember God is looking at your heart not your works. That is why at the end of Matthew Chapter 3 it says when Jesus was baptized he looked up and saw the windows of heaven opening and the spirit of God was descending like a dove. The voice of God from heaven says, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” Jesus had yet to perform any public works. Yet God saw his heart and was pleased. Your good works do not save you. It is the finished word of Christ on the cross that saves you and makes you righteous or in good-standing with God and because of this righteousness we now ought to do good works.