Peace in the Storm
HBI - Without God even mighty kings will fall but with Godeven a shepherd boy can do mighty things for the glory of God.
Intro
God remains in control
David’s unlikely service
David remembers well the day the venerable prophet Samuel anointed him. What a strange day it was! He had been called in from tending the flock, and there in the presence of his family, the old prophet poured oil on his head and seemed to rejoice that he had found David. What could it all mean? The same prophet had once anointed King Saul, and as everyone in the nation knows, Jonathan, the crown prince, was a worthy successor as the next king of Israel. And Jesse’s family was not in the priestly tribe. It did not seem possible that Yahweh wanted David to be a priest. And yet, there was the eccentric prophet with his oil! Yahweh must have something special in mind for young David. But what could it be?
David is certainly willing to serve God in any capacity needed. After the bizarre day of anointing, David went back to shepherding his father’s flocks. He contented himself with the knowledge that he was willing and ready to do whatever God wanted. If that meant staying in Bethlehem and working with his father and brothers, then David would be content. But he felt so restless. Now that Samuel had come with anointing oil, it must be that Yahweh has something great in store for his future. What should he do, and when should he do it? If Yahweh wills him to become a priest, a great military general, or even king of Israel, so be it. But how, and when? What is he to do now?
Finally, after what seems like an interminable wait, David receives strange instructions from his father. He has been summoned to the royal court to minister to the king, who is ill. He takes his father’s gifts for the king, the goat and the donkey loaded with bread and wine, and sets out with the king’s messengers. But along the journey, David continues to question and ponder what it all means. It all seems so confusing. Sure, he is willing to serve God in any capacity. But what does entering into the royal service as a musician have to do with God’s plans?
this is not what he has pictured for himself. Nevertheless, David tries to remind himself that the most menial of tasks are fulfilling if one can be assured they are Yahweh’s will. He obeys his father and continues the journey, because David would rather be anywhere other than outside Yahweh’s will for his life.
But what of the prophet’s unusual actions? Perhaps it is all a big mistake. Perhaps by entering into the royal service now, David will be jeopardizing his chance to fulfill some other calling in his life later.
Or perhaps Samuel has been mistaken. As David continues on the way to Saul’s court, he wonders if perhaps Samuel has gotten it wrong. Perhaps he is only supposed to help Saul in his distress rather than serve some grander, more glorious role in Israel. At any rate, David determines to do the best he can, even while he is so confused about how these events fit into the big picture of Yahweh’s will for his life.
