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Hear the devotional: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eradio-valverde/episodes/The-New-King-is-a-Boy-e20f21r
View the devotional: https://www.tiktok.com/@eradiovalverde/video/7210638432895257902?lang=en
1 God addressed Samuel: "So, how long are you going to mope over Saul? You know I've rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your flask with anointing oil and get going. I'm sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I've spotted the very king I want among his sons." 2 "I can't do that," said Samuel. "Saul will hear about it and kill me." 3 Make sure Jesse gets invited. I'll let you know what to do next. I'll point out the one you are to anoint." 4 Samuel did what God told him. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the town fathers greeted him, but apprehensively. "Is there something wrong?" 5 "Nothing's wrong. I've come to sacrifice this heifer and lead you in the worship of God. Prepare yourselves, be consecrated, and join me in worship." He made sure Jesse and his sons were also consecrated and called to worship. 6 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, "Here he is! God's anointed!" 7 But God told Samuel, "Looks aren't everything. Don't be impressed with his looks and stature. I've already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart." 8 Jesse then called up Abinadab and presented him to Samuel. Samuel said, "This man isn't God's choice either." 9 Next Jesse presented Shammah. Samuel said, "No, this man isn't either." 10 Jesse presented his seven sons to Samuel. Samuel was blunt with Jesse, "God hasn't chosen any of these." 11 Then he asked Jesse, "Is this it? Are there no more sons?" "Well, yes, there's the runt. But he's out tending the sheep." Samuel ordered Jesse, "Go get him. We're not moving from this spot until he's here." 12 Jesse sent for him. He was brought in, the very picture of health - bright-eyed, good-looking. God said, "Up on your feet! Anoint him! This is the one." 13 Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed him, with his brothers standing around watching. The Spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life. Samuel left and went home to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:1-13 The Message Bible)
Kings are not perfect. Kings are human. So even kings called by God to serve as kings are not perfect. And this holds true for all humans. In all walks of life and in all types of roles and responsibilities. And this holds true for me. And you. Saul was the king requested by the people of Israel when Samuel was the prophet during the theocracy, or rule of God. God was King and the prophets represented Him. But the day came when the people went against God and no longer wanted to be the light to the world and said, "We want to be like the other nations; we want a king!" And they chose Saul. It was his looks and height that got him the job. But as I said, Saul was not perfect and so the day came when God knew it was time for a new king. And so, God tells Samuel, who had grown fond of the king, that the king's days were numbered and that a new king would be on the throne of Israel. "Go fill your oil flask - you've got some anointing to do!"
The prophet is sent to the home of Jesse, who has several sons. Samuel fears for his life thinking that if Saul finds out he would be killed. But God had spotted the one who would be the next king and Samuel is to anoint him. What follows is epic. Samuel being human wants to anoint the oldest, Eliab. Eliab looks the part (if we are to keep with the tall, dark, and handsome ploy like Saul!). God says, "Good one, but no. Looks aren't everything. Don't be impressed with his looks and stature. I've already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart." And the seven sons present all failed the God-test. Samuel had to ask, "Are there any more?" Jesse says, "Only the runt is not present; he's out tending sheep." Samuel says, "Go and get him. We're not moving from this spot until he's here." This version says that Jesse brings in the runt of the litter and he's the picture of health, "Bright-eyed, good-looking," and God tells Samuel to anoint him. Taking the flask Samuel complies and in the presence of his brothers, David is made the new king of Israel. And the Spirit of the Lord entered David like the rush of wind, and with that God gave him the power with which to rule for the rest of his life. Samuel returns home to Ramah, and Israel will soon have his new king.
We just read the key; for one to stay faithful and fruitful to the Lord and His assignments to us, we must seek a daily infusion of His Holy Spirit which comes from steadfast prayer, devotion and an earnest seeking of God's favor. We may not be asked to be kings or queens, but we seek to be faithful in whatever role God may see fit for us in which to serve.
PRAYER: Loving God, help us to be what You would have us be; above all let us be faithful to You; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen,.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Shine faithful to God in all things and in all ways.
Receive my blessings of peace and joy,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
