The dynamics of discipleship (part 37)

Now the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.” – I SAMUEL 16:1

When the prophet Samuel went to the house of Jesse to choose a king for Israel he was shown all of his sons, but the Lord didn’t choose any of them, so he said, “Are all the young men here?” Jesse answered and said, “There remains the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” David, the runt of the litter was chosen, not for his good looks but for his heart after God.

Samuel anointed David King over God’s people Israel without fanfare or pomp and ceremony, but by the will of the Most High. Through a divine turn of events David was sent with supplies to the battlefield for Jesse’s sons but ended up playing the harp for the demonized king, Saul. It was here that his first battle would be one of his greatest and most well known among the children of Israel, the showdown between a shepherd boy and the giant, Goliath.

This would be the beginning of many battles and great victories as well as many trials and tribulations, with King Saul chasing him and the Philistines trying to kill him it began to weigh heavily upon his mind and body as the devil watched from the sidelines, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

“Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” – I SAMUEL 17:47