A king is trained amongst the sheep – 2 July 2021

As a young boy, David was anointed as the king of Israel by Samuel. It was his mission in life, and his destiny. The one thing that hugely counted in David’s favour was the fact that he was not the son of a king. His seven older brothers were also not that impressed that the youngest would be their king. They would not cut him any slack. In the end, David had to wait another 20 years before he finally ascended the throne of Israel. What happened to him in the meantime? The Lord was busy preparing him, building his character for when the time would come to lead the nation. David may have felt as though nothing was happening in his life at this time.

Jesse had the wisdom to leave David with the sheep as shepherd, even after being anointed as king. A king should learn that faithfulness in the small things prepares you for the responsibility to lead at high levels.

David had not experienced it yet, but God was busy setting the stage for his kingship. King Saul has gradually drifted further away from God. He became more mentally unstable as time went by. All that would calm his troubled soul in these times was some soothing music. As it happened, David was playing his lyre while guarding the sheep. Some of Saul’s inner circle passed that way and heard him play. When Saul needed a gifted musician, David’s name came up. The Lord gave David the right gifts, and the needed opportunity, to enter Saul’s service as a musician (1 Samuel 16:22).

The Lord calls us to his service, each with our own unique ministry. The Lord gave us gifts, to use with the power of his Spirit. Sometimes, with divine planning, we are at the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing, when everything comes together. Then we shine in our calling to honour God.

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep on trusting you when it seems as though nothing is happening in my life. Help me to be faithful in the small things, sharpening my skills and developing my gifts, even when I don’t see any movement. Teach me to endure your training. Show me the right path, give me the right opportunity, fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit that I may reach the goal you have set for me. Amen