Main verse: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Good morning!

            Saul’s kingdom was coming to a close because he did not honor the Lord by what he was asked to do. This was a turning point for Samuel because he could have added to the nation’s woes by making a grab for power. Instead, he obeyed the Lord and was used to anoint the next King of Israel. The Lord told the Prophet to go to Bethlehem to Jesse’s house to anoint the next king; knowing the hazards he was facing if Saul found out what the Lord was up to, Samuel presented the problem to the Lord and he was told to say, “I am going to Bethlehem to offer a sacrifice. When he got to Bethlehem the elders were shaken wondering why this man of God was in the city to offer a sacrifice when he normally held the sacrifice in Ramah which is about 11 miles north of Bethlehem; Jesse’s family was invited to the meal which, is a high honor afforded to very few. Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel and all seven of them were tall, healthy, and good-looking boys he was sure that one of those boys was the Lord’s anointed. Unfortunately one of the sons was missing because all of the other ones were rejected. When young David, who was about 13-14 years old, was brought into the room, the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him for this is the man”.

            Samuel was presented with two problems. The first problem was Saul and the problems he could create if he found out who his replacement would be. The second problem was, that none of the seven sons was selected and he might have doubted that his mission was from the Lord. Both problems could have caused the Prophet to hide in his home in Ramah and await his death leaving the issues with Saul unresolved. David was paid the greatest privilege and that was “King over Israel”; while this was a great day in David and his family’s life, he too faced a few dilemmas; One being “Was Samuel falsely prophesying his future kingdom?; second, the Lord did not say when he would ascend the throne so, he’d have to wait and a lot would happen during that time; third, his brothers were in the room and they were older than he was ergo, they were green with envy and envious people can and will cause problems. I ask you today to consider these two principal players Samuel and David; put yourself in their place, how would you react? Would you allow “fear” to direct the course of your life or “Walk in the fear of the Lord?” (Deuteronomy 13:1-4).  My encouragement for you today is that you will consider my proposal and see what God will do in your life or, conversely, how little He will do when we are disobedient.

I.H.S. MK

Father,

I wish that walking with you was as easy as the scripture snippets unintendedly make it look like but it isn’t, it’s froth with doubts and troubles. Despite that, I still want to follow you and do what you have asked me to do. Please help me to see through the storms and the taunts of the enemy. I know and am fully committed to you in and out of storms. Thank you for sending Samuel to the nation because he was faithful, we have a wonderful example to follow and that is the reason for recording the visit (Psalm 90:10). Lord I pray for wisdom to face the difficult situations that will confront me so that You will be pleased with me. Please be with my readers today; for those who are on the ropes about their decision to serve the Lord. I pray for revival across this nation that the plans of the enemy will be thwarted.

In Jesus’ Name