Scripture:
1 Samuel 16:17-22 ESV
[17] So Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me a man who can play well and bring him to me.” [18] One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the Lord is with him.” [19] Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.” [20] And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them by David his son to Saul. [21] And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. [22] And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.”
Observation:
Now Saul had made some major mistakes as the king of GOD’s chosen people, and Samuel had spoken some very disturbing things over him. These words from Samuel had to ring in the ears of Saul causing him to lose sleep and maybe even leading to the fear of the 9-foot-tall giant that he has to hear defying the armies of the living GOD in the next chapter. But let’s stay in the scripture that has been chosen this morning. This harmful spirit was sent to torment Saul. He was looking for some reprieve and the answer that was given was worship. Now there could be a whole sermon on that as well. But again sticking to the scripture at hand. You can see how the LORD was preparing a young man named David to take over the kingdom. I want to look at the description of David here. He was the son of Jesse skilled in music. A MAN OF VALOR…A MAN OF WAR. I find it interesting that in the very next chapter, the description is somewhat different. Saying that he was a young boy who kept the sheep. Could it be that the description given was a prophetic one and this time in the king’s services was preparation? I honestly believe that what we are looking at. GOD had placed David in the king’s service so he could learn what to and not to do. He knew how to worship, and was already skilled in protection and defense. So he was placed where GOD could use him best. A young brave boy. In the service of the king. As David grew and found favor in Saul’s sight. Saul sent a message to Jesse to ask for David to continue his service to HIM. David would send the next part of his life. Playing worship music for Saul. The whole time knowing that Samuel had anointed him to be king. I’m sure he was watching..listening, learning, waiting. Seeing what it looked like to do things as a king, the wrong way and the right way. Saul if nothing else was a good bad example.
Application:
Over the last week or so. We have heard pastor Chad speak about being placed in a position where you are being prepared for something bigger. I honestly don’t know where you are in this understanding. But I can see how this is taking place in my life, and the lives of the men and women around me. When we know what has been spoken over us. GOD will put us where we can gather information for the calling HE has placed on us. That being said I want you to take a look at what you know GOD has called you to do. You know it because HE has spoken it directly to your heart and as you read this the calling is being brought to your mind…maybe it’s to be the spiritual leader of your home…or maybe it’s to be a godly wife. It could even be to lead a church. Or a small group. You know what that calling is… I do need to say that if you are a believer in Jesus Christ. You are called no matter what to disciple others. So now that the calling is in your mind and you know what GOD’s desire is for you. Look at the men and women around you who can you get the best information from. If you are not walking in that calling you are in a time of preparation. You are in a spot where you can learn what to and not to do. Soak up as much as you can. I’m just going to tell you that’s what I’m doing. I want to know all I can about what GOD has called me to. That’s what these SOAPs are about seeking searching looking learning. I want to serve GOD the best way I can walking in a manner that is worthy of the calling HE has placed on me. Walking in lockstep with the Holy Spirit. That being said I know that GOD has placed men in my life to show me right from wrong. So I do my best to soak it all up.
Prayer:
Father, as we look at your plan and see how you are preparing us for the next level. We ask that you continue to prepare not only our minds but our hearts as well. There is never a time to boast, and in fact, the calling that you have placed on us has nothing to do with us. It’s all about you…YOUR glory your purpose your people and your heart. You have put us in a position to learn. Let us soak in what you have to teach us. Let us see how it all applies to what your desire for us is. You are so absolutely amazing. The way you love us baffles my mind at times. You teach us in ways we don’t even think about. I know that you will accomplish your purpose for us your word tells us you will not start something that you do not finish. So we ask today that you allow us to soak in what you want for us to learn so that we can move forward in the calling that you have placed on us. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.