Hi all, today, I will be talking about how God equips the chosen, and not choosing the equipped. There will be scripture reading and today’s passage is taken from 1st Samuel chapter 16 6-13. Some background info: Samuel is on the hunt for a new king—King Saul had disobeyed God, and the Lord has spoken to him that one of Jesse’s sons has been chosen king.
6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, "Surely the LORD's anointed stands here before the LORD." 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen this one either." 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, "Nor has the LORD chosen this one." 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, "The LORD has not chosen these." 11 So he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse answered, "but he is tending the sheep." Samuel said, "Send for him; we will not sit down [a] until he arrives." 12 So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one." 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah.
To be equipped is to have a certain set of skills—maybe being charismatic and extremely brave. This is why Jesse and even Samuel thought that the first few brothers were the possible chosen king, looking only at outer appearances. However, our God is one whom judges a person’s character by the heart and willingness to seek after Him. In the end, it was the most unlikely of the eight brothers, David, a mere shepherd who was anointed king. Personally, I feel that the word ‘chosen’ in this context would mean someone who has that strong faith in God and hence, being a spiritual role model for others to follow. One who does not believe in God cannot set out do God’s will for him. David fulfills these requirements which are lacking in his brothers. This goes to show that in our life as servants of this wondrous king, we need to have this worshipful heart or constantly spend quiet time with him. These things are more important than having bible knowledge but not knowing God at all.
Also notice that Man and God judge people differently. In the eyes of Man, Samuel and Jesse, Eliab may have seem the anointed one maybe because he was the firstborn. However, in the eyes of God, it is this shepherd who should be king. When God calls you to his service, do not take heart of others’ criticism that you are not cut out for his purpose. Do not be discouraged and let their comments overrule God’s plan for you. Only God can peer deeply into your character and judge correctly.
Since we are on the theme of stepping out of the comfort zone, let me share what I think about it. Prefects camp—workshop on comfort zone—seen as parallel to confidence—increased by building and expanding your comfort zone—can also parallel this to our spiritual life. By stepping out of his comfort zone, David stepped out of his comfort zone from a mere shepherd to a servant of King Saul to the enemy of King Saul and eventually becoming a King and spiritual leader.
One other character mentioned in the bible who stepped out of his comfort zone was Moses. Just some background info on him—he was adopted into the Egyptian royal family but after he killed a slave master, he fled, becoming a shepherd. One day, God spoke to him to rescue the people of Israel. However, he was afraid of stepping out of his comfortable position and did not want to be involved in any Egyptian affairs. Furthermore, he was afraid that he would not be able to convince the Pharaoh to release his people. God equipped him with two important things. One, a staff that can perform miracles such as opening up the Red Sea and two, Aaron who served as his mouthpiece as Moses was not good at talking.
God equips those chosen for his purpose and we have no reason to be afraid. Lastly let me share about myself stepping out of the comfort zone. Khoen koen mission trip—serve God and change the lives of the people there—had no clue on how to minister to people’s need or pray for them—God provided me with officers and seniors to guide me along the way. So, although I have not made the physical journey—because it was cancelled, I have made the spiritual journey. In all our lives, let us always remember that God has a perfect plan for us and that we just have to trust in his providence.
- Jun Kiat
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