Don’t frown on humble beginnings! – 1 July 2021

We may think that our humble beginnings block us from making a success of our lives. We may compare ourselves to others, and think that they have had better opportunities in life, they should be the Lord’s first choice in completing life’s mission. But the Lord surprises us time and again. This month, we are going on a journey, exploring the life of King David, one of the most influential characters in the Bible.

King Saul was the first king of Israel. He struck an imposing figure, being much taller than most men. He was a member of the tribe of Benjamin. Saul had started his kingship so well. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and acted as a prophet (1 Samuel 10:6). But as time passed, his pride got the better of him. He started to turn away from God, and came under the influence of the neighbouring nations’ idolatry. Therefore, in 1 Samuel 15, the Lord rejected his kingship, although he gave Saul a further 20 years of grace to turn back to him.

The Lord sent his prophet Samuel to the house of Jesse of the tribe of Judah. Amongst his sons, the new king of Israel would be found. As was customary, the search started with the eldest son, and Eliab looked the part, he was tall and handsome. But he was not God’s choice. Another six sons paraded before Samuel, but none of them was the new king of Israel. In 1 Samuel 16:11, Samuel asked whether there was another son in this household. Then the family remembered David, the youngest, who had been sent to take care of the family’s sheep. He was called, and the Lord ordered Samuel to anoint him as the new king of Israel in front of his family. A further 20 years would pass before David was anointed as king before the eyes of the tribes of Israel. He may have been the youngest of a humble family in the eyes of his community, but the Lord clearly chose him to be the leader of God’s nation. The community saw a young shepherd, God saw a king.

This is the point to ponder today. What does God have in store for your life? What potential did God deposit in you?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for creating me with a godly purpose in mind. Thank you that you look at my heart, not at my outward appearance. Forgive me when I so easily compare my life to others. Help me to discover your calling, and your destiny for my life, that I may honour you alone. Amen