God Chooses His Man

Introduction

First, let thank each of you for coming to this event. I believe it is important for us as men to challenge each other to be men of God. Without doubt, Scripture teaches us that men are to be leaders. We are to lead our wives, our families, our church, and our communities. The issue is this. We often don’t know or understand true leadership. This lack of knowledge often leads to fear. Fear has crippling effect. As men, we don’t like to admit we are afraid. So, instead of dealing with our fear, we put on a brave face and try to push through. Unfortunately, that is the wrong way to deal with our fear. We should be looking to God’s Word for the information we need to be God’s men. Then, when we find that information, we must commit to obeying it. It is my goal at each Ironmen event is give you knowledge from God’s Word and challenge you to be obedient to the Lord.

With that in mind, I think one of the best ways to learn is through observation. Just the other day, I was talking with my dad and then later with my uncle. Both of them were talking about a unique Hester trait. My grandfather was one of those men who could watch someone do something and, then, without any further instruction do the same thing. He was quite capable in his abilities as an electrician, brick mason, carpenter, roofer, and just about any other trade you can name. Most of what he knew he learned watching someone else do it. My dad is the same way. I have couple of my boys who are very much like that as well. Perhaps some of you are that way. It is awesome talent. However, there is one small problem. You have to be careful to watch the right person. Not every electrician is a good electrician. By the same token, not every carpenter is a good carpenter. So, if you are person who learns by watching others, it is important that watch those who are good at their trade.

The wonderful thing about Scripture is this. God has given us many, many examples of other men for us to observe and see how they live their lives. The Bible is filled with men who became men of God as well as men who failed most miserably before the Lord. If we want to be Men of God, we need to choose carefully who we are going to observe and pattern our life after.

Now, as a side note, let me say the most perfect example is the Lord Jesus Christ. He set the pattern for complete obedience and submission to God. There is no doubt that we must always strive to live as Christ lived.

However, I believe that outside of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have a number of great examples of men who followed God. There is Abraham, Joseph, Daniel, and many more. For our discussion, I have chosen a man named David. We know David as both a shepherd boy and Israel’s great king.

Why David? There are two Scripture passages that answer that question. The first is found in the New Testament and was given many, many years after David’s death. It is Acts 13. The context is one of Paul’s many messages as he preached the gospel throughout Asia Minor. In this particular message, Paul was recounting Israel’s history. You cannot give Israel’s history without mentioning one of its greatest kings, King David. Here is what Paul said and remember that it is the Holy Spirit (God Himself) speaking through Paul.

Acts 13:22 KJV 1900

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

Did you catch what God said about David? He specifically says that David was “a man” after His own heart. Wow! What a statement about David from God!

The other passage is the context from which this verse was taken. It is found in the Old Testament in 1 Samuel 13 and where I want to share just a few thoughts with you this evening. Before I do, let me reiterate my purpose. I want to challenge us through a study of David’s life to be men after God’s own heart. In a nutshell, to be men of God. With that in mind, each time we meet for one of our Ironmen events (the exception being our annual Beast Feast), I will bring a short challenge (hopefully) from David’s life. Again, the intent to challenge us to live as God’s men.

Listen as I read 1 Samuel 16:1-13

1 Samuel 16:1–13 KJV 1900

1 And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. 2 And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. 3 And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee. 4 And Samuel did that which the Lord spake, and came to Beth-lehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? 5 And he said, Peaceably: I am come to sacrifice unto the Lord: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. 6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him. 7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. 9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. 10 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these. 11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither. 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

I want you to note the context here. Saul is the reigning king of Israel. If you remember the story, up until Saul’s reign there was not king in Israel. Their government was a theocracy. A theocracy is where God rules and reigns. Until Saul’s reign, God used other men as His spokesmen and He ruled through them. Men like Moses, Joshua, and others. Before Saul, God used Samuel the prophet as His spokesman. Israel, as a nation, was not satisfied with God’s way of doing things. They desired to have a king like all the other nations. Eventually, God gave them what they wanted.

SIDE NOTE: Be careful what you ask for. God gave Israel what they wanted. He warned them what would happen. Kings have a tendency to abuse and misuse their power for their own gain. Israel had many kings. And guess what, each of them, some to a greater degree than others, abused and misused their power for their own gain. The people of Israel often suffered under the hands of wicked kings.

Saul was chosen to be king. For a while, things were great. Saul obeyed God and God blessed. However, it didn’t take long before Saul was filled with pride and decided he knew better than God how to deal with Israel and Israel’s enemies. To make a long story short, Saul disobeyed God and God removed His hand of blessing from Saul’s life. All of which led to God searching for a new king. Thus, God began looking for a man after His own heart.

GOD is STILL LOOKING FOR MEN AFTER HIS OWN HEART

That is the first point that I want to challenge you with this evening. God is always searching for men who will follow Him. As I said before, Scripture filled with men who answered His call. Guess what? He is still searching for men even today who will do the same. Even in the midst of this wicked and perverse society, God is looking for men who will take up their cross and follow Him.

Some might ask is it possible for a man to have David’s testimony today? Can a man be a man after God’s own heart? The answer is yes. God’s grace coupled with God’s indwelling Spirit can produce such quality in a man that he becomes such a man. God can produce men who will stand the fiery trials that come from daily living. He can help a man stand strong for Him in the midst of a failing marriage, a contentious relationship with children, and a society bent on sinful actions.

However, when we begin considering the basis of God’s choice of men there are two things we must know and understand. We both of these things in not just Saul’s life but David’s as well. There are two sides of the coin known as a man after God’s own heart.

On one side there is God. God, who is the Creator of the Universe, stands ready to accept any man who will commit his life to Him. That is the essence of salvation.

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

On the other side of that coin is us. As men, we must respond to His offer. Yes, He is ready to mold us into men after His own heart. However, such molding only happens when the clay is soft and ready to be molded. If we desire to men after God’s own heart, then we must start by submitting ourselves humbly before Him.

If you are here this evening and you have not accepted Christ as your personal savior, it starts there for you. Christ did everything for us so that we might be men after God’s own heart. He died for you. Now, all that He asks is that you admit your sin, repent, and turn to Him. Accept Him completely as your only way to Heaven.

John 14:6 KJV 1900

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

If you have already accepted Christ, then know that God has made everything available that you need to be a man after His own heart. You are saved, sanctified, and justified through Christ’s death. Additionally, you have God’s Spirit dwelling in you. His Spirit works in conjunction with His Word, the Bible. We hold it our hands. It is the complete revelation of God. If you will commit to reading, studying, and meditating on it, God’s Spirit will utilize God’s Word as an instrument of change. All that is needed is your commitment to obedience.

Looking at the life of both Saul and David, you will find the same two elements. Even though God dealt with men in a slightly different way in the Old Testament, the principles remain the same. For both men, God choose them. God desired to do great things through their lives. His grace was extended to both. All they needed to do was remain committed to Him. One king did, and the other did not. King Saul started well and finished poorly. David, on the other hand, started well, failed, recommitted himself to the Lord, and finished strong. Which man was known as the man after God’s own heart? It definitely was not Saul. It was indeed David.

Let me give three basic truths found in God’s choosing David as Israel’s next king. The first is this.

God’s Choice of a Man is Contrary to Man’s Choice

I just read you the story. When Samuel arrived that day at Jesse’s house, no one would have dreamed that David would be God’s choice. I am sure that all we somewhat taken by surprise when Samuel showed up that day. And, after the initial recovery from the news that Israel’s next king would come from one of Jesse’s sons, there is no doubt that even Samuel thought it would be one of the older boys. Even David’s own family gave no thought to little old David who out tending sheep when Samuel came. David was simply the lad who kept the sheep. All of the other brothers were big, strapping fellows who were trained for fighting and were groomed to be men of repute. David, though, was just an afterthought. He was young boy with his head in the clouds concerned with the things of God and sheep. Who would have ever thought he would be God’s choice!

Note Jesse’s reaction when Samuel came to end of all the sons brought before him.

1 Samuel 16:11 KJV 1900

11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.

Jesse referred to David as “the youngest.” The term here goes deeper than just the youngest of all the boys. It was a term of low esteem. Even Jesse saw David as the least of all his sons. David was so far down the list that Jesse never even thought to include him when God’s prophet came calling.

What about Samuel, God’s prophet? Without a doubt, Samuel had no idea David was to be God’s choice. In fact, Samuel quickly settled on Eliab as God’s anointed.

1 Samuel 16:6 KJV 1900

6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.

Note however God’s quick rebuke to Samuel.

1 Samuel 16:7 KJV 1900

7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Now, think about this. Of all the people to want another Saul (for Eliab was much like Saul), you would think Samuel would have desired someone differently. After all, Samuel knew full well the problems with the self-willed king. Yet, even prophets and preachers are often wrong in their judgment of people. Experience tells us that there are many well-educated, intellectual, clever men who often turn their backs on the basic principles of God’s Word. Such men come to think they know better than God. They are victims of their own pride. Yet, for some reason, too many times we covet such attractive and talented people for the Lord’s work only to experience great heartaches later.

What then does God look for in man who is to be after his own heart? We find that answer in our text as well as in the New Testament.

God doesn’t look to the outward appearance of a man, but He see their heart. God’s choice is described in 1 Corinthians 1.

1 Corinthians 1:27–29 KJV 1900

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.

Seven fine looking young men stood before Samuel. All of them appeared outwardly as perfect specimens to lead Israel. There was on problem. God saw their hearts. None of them were the ones He was looking for. No, God had in mind a young boy who was sitting on a hill somewhere near that was perhaps strumming his harp as he was singing praise to the Lord. He was young boy that everyone thought little about or had even forgotten, but not God.

Here is the point! Some of you sitting here this evening may feel that you are not intellectual enough or even well thought of. In fact, in today’s society, men are demeaned and scorned. Hollywood is constantly portraying men as castrated pups whipped about their wives and their children. The result is men often feel they are not important or even worthy to the Lord or others. If that is you then you are in the perfect position. You see God uses those who are rejected of men. It is possible that you might feel that your faith is weak and that there is nothing that God can use. Let me remind you that God knows you. He knew you long before you were ever born into this world. You might feel that are nothing more than a cog in a machine. David wrote in Psalm 73 these words

Psalm 73:22 KJV 1900

22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.

He also penned these thoughts in Psalm 22.

Psalm 22:6 KJV 1900

6 But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised of the people.

Yet, God in His great grace and abundant mercy, lifted David from watching sheep to leading God’s people. God can do the same for you no matter what you might think of yourself.

Here is the next element concerning God’s choice of a man.

God’s Choice of a Man is Conditioned Upon a Man’s Heart

The events of 1 Samuel 16 and God choosing David as the next King was not God’s first encounter with David. It was quite the contrary. God’s public anointing as the outcome of David’s personal relationship with God. Why did God choose David? He chose David because He knew David’s heart. David’s heart was already open to God’s leading. It is why God bypassed all of the other brothers. God knew their hearts as well.

What kind of heart did David possess? At look at Psalm 23 gives us a glimpse into David’s heart.

Psalm 23:1 KJV 1900

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

David believed God. He fully placed his trust in God as His Shepherd to lead him and guide him.

Psalm 23:2 KJV 1900

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.

David meditated upon God. He learned to be quiet and simply follow the Lord’s leading. It was relationship of sweet communion with the Lord.

Psalm 23:3 KJV 1900

3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

David followed God’s purpose for his life. David was by no means perfect. We all know that. Yet, there is no doubt that David was intent on seeking holiness and righteousness. It was these attributes that David longed for above all else in his life.

Psalm 23:4 KJV 1900

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

David was confident in God’s protection. We saw his confidence when he faced the lion, the bear, Goliath, and even King Saul. Every time David was faced with death and enemies surrounding Him, he ran to God as His shield and buckler.

Psalm 23:5 KJV 1900

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

David was continually thankful for God’s blessings. He knew God would supply all his needs according to God’s riches. Thus, even in the presence of the enemy, David rejoiced in the goodness of God.

Psalm 23:6 KJV 1900

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

David was determined to follow God and God alone.

David’s heart was not fickle changing with every new thing that came along. No, his heart believed God and mediated on His Word. His heart was set on holiness and righteousness. He was brave and courageous knowing God was His protector. In turn, it caused his heart to be grateful. Thus, he was determined to follow God no matter the cost.

Now consider this. David was not born with such a heart.

Psalm 51:5 KJV 1900

5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me.

No, there was a day when David understood the wonderful grace of God and made the decision to follow Him. In that moment, God worked in David’s life. God anointed him with His Holy Spirit enabling David to serve and follow Him.

It is no different today. God’s grace is extended to all men. He wants to use you. All any of us must do is open our hearts to Him allowing Him to work through us.

Here is one last thought and we are done.

God’s Choice of a Man is Characterized by Heavenly Recognition

God recognized David as the man.

1 Samuel 16:13 KJV 1900

13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

As Samuel poured out the oil (a visible sign of God’s anointing), God imparted His Spirit to David. Scripture gives us several key examples God’s Spirit evidenced in peoples lives. For instance, Matthew 3:16 records how the Lord Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. In that moment, we see the appearance of a dove as symbol of God’s Spirit on Him as the Son of God. Later, on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:3, “cloven tongues like as of fire” descended upon the disciples as evidence of God’s Spirit indwelling them.

What is the point? There are man professing Christian’s today who have no power in witness, no radiance in their faces, no sweetness in their personalities, no reality of Christian duty in their spiritual lives. They say they are saved. And, perhaps, that is true. However, there is nothing to say they are anointed with God’s Spirit. Yes, the Holy Spirit may be in them, but His power is diminished by their unwillingness to obey God’s Word.

Men, are you lacking in reality and joy, with no true evidence of His life in you? Is your heart crying out for His cleansing? If so, then perhaps you need to fall on your knees before God asking for His forgiveness and cleansing. Let Him do His work in you so that you can a have a renewed heart for Him. Allow Him to place in you once again a fire and fervent desire to please Him.

There was also another outward recognition that David was God’s choice. It is not in our text, but comes soon after. God’s choice of David set David on a collision course with another man who had rejected God. That man was Saul. When a man chooses to follow God you can be assured that he will not be at peace with those who serve God’s enemy, Satan. In fact, the moment you choose to follow God as David did Satan paints a target on you. So get ready. How do we ready ourselves for such a battle?

Ephesians 6:10–18 KJV 1900

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

David fought may battles both physical and spiritual. One of his greatest battles was against Saul. However, David remained committed to God even to the point of laying not his hand against God’s anointed. Yet, as he remained committed, the day finally came when he was crowned king of all Israel.

Men, there is coming a crowing day for us as well.

2 Timothy 4:8 KJV 1900

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Conclusion

God is still looking for men after His own heart. His choice of men never matches the world’s choice. No matter what you think of yourself or what others may think of you, you can be a man after God’s own heart. How is this possible? It is possible when you fix your heart on Him and nothing else. Determine to know Him and follow Him. In His great grace, God has provided all that is necessary for each man here this evening to be a man after God’s own heart. He provided salvation through His Son, desire and power through His Spirit, and instruction through His Word. That is all you need. God wants you! He wants you to be a man after His own heart. Will you accept the challenge?