After God's Heart
11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this 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 powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:11-13)
The prophet Eli had raised Samuel and mentored him from the time Samuel's parents dedicated him to God in thanks for enabling his previously barren mother to conceive. Eli had taught Samuel how to hear and respond to God's voice - in humility, with obedience and honesty. Samuel grew to be a faithful prophet and lead the people of Israel under God's guidance. But the people desired to be like other nations, and have a human king to lead them. Encouraging Samuel that the people were rejecting God not Samuel, God directed Samuel to anoint Saul as king. Although Saul was initially humble, he was also rash and more concerned with his public image than being fully obedient to God. Samuel did his best to guide and advise Saul, but Saul regularly went his own way. God, grieved by Saul's disobedience, came to reject him as king, and had Samuel to anoint
David as Saul's successor.
God understood human weakness, and had not wanted to appoint a king. But after warning the people through Samuel, God gave them what they asked for and allowed them to experience the consequences. Saul hadn't been evil. He even tried to seek God's blessing and he asked Samuel for forgiveness. The problem was the state of Saul's heart, his will. Saul didn't want God's will above his own. He wanted God's will as long as it made sense to him and as long as he could see what he could get out of it. Samuel had his own shortcomings, and his own sons were not worthy successors to serve as the next prophet and advisor to the king. David also would have to answer for his failures in serving God. But both Samuel and David succeeded in honoring God's will above their own. Samuel often sought and received clarification and encouragement from God. David accepted rebuke and earnestly repented when he did wrong.
Being called by God is not a call to perfection, it's a call to humble obedience - laying aside self for others, going when others may not follow, waiting when moving seems more expedient. May we strive to be people after God's heart, open to the leading of the Spirit, and seeking God's grace cover us when we fall short.
The LORD answer you in the day of trouble! The name of the God of Jacob protect you! 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary, and give you support from Zion. 3 May he remember all your offerings, and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices. Selah 4 May he grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your plans. 5 May we shout for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions. 6 Now I know that the LORD will help his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with mighty victories by his right hand. 7 Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses, but our pride is in the name of the LORD our God. 8 They will collapse and fall, but we shall rise and stand upright. 9 Give victory to the king, O LORD; answer us when we call. (Psalm 20)
