Day 16 – 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Our reading takes place today in that little town of Bethlehem. It’s so stunning to me, how this tiny town was so significant to the Lord! Micah, one of the prophets of long ago talked about Bethlehem, famous despite its small size:
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.” —Micah 5:2 NIV
I did some research on Bethlehem. It’s about 5 miles south of Jerusalem. Right now, it’s in Palestine and has a population of 28,000 people. Back in King David’s day, it was pretty obscure. As it was in Jesus’ day. In between, once David became king, it became quite prominent for a season, but sank back down into obscurity by the time of Jesus’ birth. I love how God uses ordinary towns and ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Are you ordinary? Well then. Look out! God is able to use you in astounding ways.
I thought we’d have this one last visit to the town before we move on to Hosea, so we can see the anointing of King David, a direct descendant of Naomi and Ruth. Naomi by adoption and Ruth by birth. Again, God works with the ordinary. He doesn’t choose the obvious older brother as the next king. He chooses the “least one.” The kid out in the field watching the sheep. I think that while David was watching the sheep, God was watching David. David made choices out in the field. He chose to sing songs to God and practice his harp. He chose to fight off bears and lions out in those fields instead of cowering and hiding from them, letting them destroy the flock. David was brave. David loved God. This made him highly qualified to be the next king.
God looks at our character far more than he looks at our pedigree or our wealth or status. He sees the heart. So, here we are doing this study and asking Him to strengthen our hearts and turn them toward Him each day as we sit and learn! I believe this pleases our awesome God greatly. I am so glad you are meeting with Him! Let’s be His ordinary people, available for His extraordinary assignments in our lives, shall we? Now. What verse did you choose, today?
My verse: 1 Samuel 16:12 “So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes.”
My response: This verse caught my attention because of David’s beautiful eyes. The eye is the window to the soul. I wonder if David’s eyes showed his personality. His confidence, his trust in the Lord. Were they piercing or penetrating? Did they instill confidence? He surely could rally men around him in later years. In any case … even that young, David was unique and set apart by God to be king. Thank You, Lord, for once again choosing an unlikely one with a good heart for Your service. I look forward to meeting David in Heaven one day.
My verse is 7 in the NLT.
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or
height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things
the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart."
Lord, I pray to have a pure heart. I pray to honor You with my
thoughts, words, actions and deeds. I pray to love as
You do. In Jesus' name. Amen
It is a little intimidating when one realizes the Lord sees our inmost thoughts and our hearts. I am so thankful, though, for His grace and mercy even when my heart is a mess. But I echo your desire, Candie. I want a pure heart.