Series: David - A Man After God’s Own Heart:
Part 2: Something’s Rotten In Jesse’s Family
1 SAMUEL 16:1 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” 2 But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.” 4 Samuel did what the Lord said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?” 5 Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah. 14 Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. 15 Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. 16 Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.” 17 So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.” 18 One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” 19 Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” 20 So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul. 21 David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. 22 Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.” 23 Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.
INTRO 1: A Man After God’s Own Heart: Pt. 3 Something’s Rotten In Jesse’s Family
Topics Covered: Give Us A King: The People’s Choice V/S The Almighty’s Choice, God Can Make A Nobody Into A Somebody, Something’s Rotten In Jesse’s Family, etc.
INTRO 2: REVIEW FROM LAST WEEK
Illustration: Gladys Died And We Went To Hospital. Doctor Went To Someone Else
Illustration: Some Folks Refused To Come To This Church Because I Was Young.
David Is Called "A Man After God’s Own Heart." What draws me to David is he didn’t start great, isn’t a polished personality but mere human who shares my struggles of spirit, soul, body. A man of glorious triumphs but also a man of great tragedies. He wrestles with success, rejection, discouragement, sexual temptation, parenting, betrayal, etc. - likened to King Jesus. Both Are Described As Coming Kings, Crucified Kings, Crowned Kings, Conquering Kings.
REVIEW FROM LAST WEEK: PREREQUISITES FOR KING SAUL - THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE.
1. Saul was chosen on the basis of his looks - Physical Stature. Not David.
2. Saul was chosen on the basis of his Muscularity. David’s brothers had – Not David.
3. Saul chosen on the basis of his right Youthfulness - David was a kid.
4. Saul chosen on the basis of Popular Opinion - Not David the forgotten one.
IN THE BIBLE, GOD SELECTS PEOPLE WE WOULD DISQUALIFY.
Moses Stuttered. Jacob Deceiver. Abraham old. Naomi widow. Jonah ran from God. Miriam gossiper. Thomas doubted. Paul unattractive. Martha worry rat. Peter rash. Rahab prostitute. Moses murderer, speech impediment. Mary poor girl. 3 closest to Jesus (Peter, James, John) fishermen. 3 wrote Bible were murderers: Moses, David, Paul. Not the kind of people we would have expected God to pick for His purposes - He did. So God gets the glory (1 Cor. 1). Such were us.
SAUL DISQUALIFIED – 3 ACTS OF DISOBEDIENCE (3 STRIKES THAT OUTED HIM)
1. Presumptuously Offered Sacrifice – Philistines At Gilgal (I Samuel 13:5-14).
2. Made An Egoistical Vow At Gibeah Not To Eat During Battle (I Samuel 14:24-46)
3. Refused To Destroy The Amalekites, King, Cattle (I Samuel 15:17-11)
SAMUEL CAME TO DELIVER GOD’S VERDICT TO SAUL (1 SAM. 15:12-23).
Saul Fulfilled All Bad Things God Said A King Would Fulfill (I Sam. 8). So Samuel mourned. God rebuked Samuel (1 Sam. 16). That day was ordinary but things would never be the same again. Samuel fears anointing a rival king (I Sam. 16:2-3). God has a simple plan (1 Sam. 16). The Country Is In Trouble And That Is Felt When A Prophet came to town – the people are afraid. There is a parade of candidates. God chooses none. 1 Sam. 16:6-10 tells us the principle of God’s choice - God does not see as men who see the face. God sees the heart. Each of the sons looks like king’s material but God selected none. David was not even looking for title – just serving.
WHAT DOES GOD LOOK FOR IN A PERSON? WHAT JESSE DID NOT SEE THAT GOD SAW.
God knew what Samuel or others did not see. Moses thought the same about Aaron.
1. David Possessed The Heart Of A Servant. Psalm 89:20 "I have found my servant David; I appointed him by pouring holy oil on him." Servanthood is humility in practice. To be a servant means to perform menial tasks; to not care who gets the credit. You have one goal: the success of your superior. Mk 9:35 "Anyone wanting to be greatest must be the least - servant of all!"
2. David Possessed The Heart Of A Shepherd: You drive cattle but you must lead sheep. They follow example. The shepherd must know his sheep individually, love them and take care of their needs accordingly. Sheep are defenseless, don’t see well so they depend on the shepherd to lead and guide them. David was exactly the leader Israel needed to right the wrongs Saul had brought to Israel. In 1 Sam. 16, there was fear in the nation – David had to calm them.
3. David Possessed A Heart Of Integrity. Psalm 78:70 "He chose David his servant, from tending the sheep… he brought him to be the shepherd of his people. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart." Integrity is what you are when no one is looking. Proverbs 18:16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. Your gift may bring you before great men, but it is character that enables you to stay there. Joseph’s gift brought him before pharaoh, but his character made him prime minister. Greatness is not a one-time event: David killed the giant and we think that was when he became great. No. Greatness is doing every little thing in a great way. True greatness is specifically seen in the little things we do in a great way. A crown doesn’t make a man a king, it only identifies the king in the man.
4. God Chose David Because He Was Ready (Already Redeemed). When Jesse and David’s brothers are brought in before Samuel, they are “sanctified” (v. 5) - their sins are dealt with and made ready for worship. When David is brought, there is no sanctification - he is already ready. He had seen the power of God written in the heavens (Psalm 19). He had witnessed God’s tender care for His people in his own relationship to his flocks (Psalm 23). He walked onto the public stage in 1 Sam. 16, but David had been walking with God for some time (1 Sam. 17). He had honored God openly, now God was rewarding Him openly.
5. God Chose David Because He Was Reliable. When God calls David, we find him faithfully doing what he has been told to do - keeping sheep. He is doing a dirty, lonely job; but he does it because it is what he has been assigned to do. After he is anointed, he goes back to his flock. Why? Because that is what he does! Even after he is called to Jerusalem to play for King Saul (v. 23), he returns to keep his father’s sheep (17:5). Why? Because David is faithful. God calls people who are busy, not those avoiding responsibilities.
6. David Respected The Covenant. Had True, Genuine Faith: 1 Samuel 17: For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? Who can forget young David’s words to Saul as he prepared to go face Goliath, he said to Saul, ‘Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came out and took a lamb out the flock, I went out after it… And when it rose against me, I caught it by its beard and struck and killed it.’ ‘The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’ Have that faith to meet Satan on his own ground today.
7. David Had A Truly Grateful Heart: In Ps. 100 David said, ‘Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all ye lands… David was grateful to God for all He did in His life. He never let it go to his head.
8. David Always Confessed His Sin And Repented When Confronted: David knew what kind of person could walk with God - a person who walked uprightly and spoke the truth in his heart. He would never repeat such sin again in his life. This Is Spirituality: 1 Samuel 13:14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.” When God says go, he goes. When God says stop, you stop. You are sensitive to God. 2 Chron. 16:9 The Lord is looking for people whose hearts are his. They acknowledge wrong, correct it and move on.
9. David Had A Transparent Life: Psalm 26:2 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. David even prayed that God would examine his life.
10. David Was Also Cunning In Playing: He had a talent or an ability to play this instrument and he developed it. Develop your talents. Everyone has been given certain talents and abilities that others don’t have. Practice and use it for the glory of God!
11. David Was Courageous. Don’t be scared to be available to God. God is looking for those who will fear not what men can do to them. Only fear God and be of good courage.
12. David Was Prudent In Matters: He had good judgment and ready to learn. Some people God will never use because we know too much. Be ready to listen, learn, grow, change your mind.
13. David Was A Comely Person: David was fine looking and took good care of himself. Now everyone has not been blessed with good looks, but everyone can take pride in his or her appearance. Don’t be a slob. Keep the little you have clean.
14. David Possessed A Heart Of Dependence On God - Humility. Psalm 62:6-8 God alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him. If you have a humble heart, you want to serve God and others. Psalm 78:70 70 He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; 71 from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. 72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. Shepherding pregnant sheep humbled David. 1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and...
15. David Was Anointed With The Holy Ghost – God Was With Him. How did Saul’s servants know that God was with David? Can people tell the Lord is with you? David was youngest of 8 = the # of new beginnings. God wants to do something fresh. There are some lions and bears that need to be slain in this hour, and You are God’s choice for the job.
SO THERE’S A SCHOOL OF PREPARATION THRU WHICH GOD WANTS US TO WALK.
1. Joseph Was Born To The Large & Wealthy Family Of Jacob, a privileged and preferred son, only to be sold into slavery, forgotten before finally ascending to greatness in Egypt.
2. Moses Was Reared In The Home Of Pharaoh, the most powerful man in the world at the time. He was trained in the finest schools, had access to the wealth and power of the world, but spent 40 years raising sheep in the desert before leading God’s people to freedom.
3. Saul Studied At The Feet Of Gamaliel, was trained as a Pharisee, a keeper of the law in every point, born to Roman citizenship and was ascending to power when Jesus blinded him. From then on, he counted all of his past privileges loss for the excellency of knowing Christ.
4. David Was Anointed Early By Samuel, spent his teen years leading great military campaigns and living in the palace with his best friend, Jonathan. He even married King Saul’s daughter and became a part of the royal family. Then, he lost it all and hid in a cave for his life.
DAVID SUFFERED 5 SIGNIFICANT LOSSES FROM 1 SAMUEL 19 THROUGH 22.
God Prepares The Heart For Greatness in mysterious ways – the process involves pain, loss, and suffering. This is the tough side of spiritual growth - God’s way of getting us ready.
1. He Lost Saul As A Potential Mentor And The Palace As A Home.
2. He Lost Jonathan – They Never Meet Again After This.
3. He Lost Michal – Her Affection And Devotion.
4. He Lost Samuel, Never Getting To See Him Again Either.
5. He Lost His Own Dignity And Acted Insane In Gath.
SOMETHING SMELLS IN JESSE’S HOUSE
Character Is Built In Private Before Becoming Public. Be careful what you do in private. What we do in the open is what we have practiced in private. God prepares us in private. The devil prepares us in private. Illustration: Choir rehearsal. Classrooms. In all of these we practice in private. A child becomes a thief at home before going private. We see a home with issues. Jesse’s home smells with favoritism, bitterness, hatred, dislike, things from the past, jealousy, trampled gifts, name callings, etc. The Sons Of Jesse By Order Of Birth: 8 Brothers: Eliab, Abinadab, Shimea (Shammah), Nethanel (Nathaniel), Raddai, Ozem, one name is missing and David (1 Samuel 16, 1 Chronicles 2:13-15). 2 Sisters: Zeruiah and Abigail (1 Chronicles 2:16-17).
INHERENT PROBLEMS IN JESSE’S HOME – LATENT BUT MANIFESTED.
1. David Is Forgotten. It is the spirit of God that tells Samuel that there is still one more and we will not rest until he comes.
2. David Is Never Called To The Consecration. Samuel told Jesse to bring his family together, but he left David out.
3. No Excitement For David’s Selection As King. When David is anointed king, what is the behavior of the family? No celebrations, gratitude. Not from the father, brethren nor sisters. They turn their backs and go home. David turns and goes to the sheep.
4. The Father Has A Problem (1 Samuel 17). We see this in that while the 3 brothers are out to battle, the father sends young David in such dangerous territory to see how they are doing. Where are the other 4 brothers who were older than David? Or why can’t he send the servants?
5. The Brothers Have A Problem. The hatred is revealed when David takes food to them and begins to inquire about Goliath. See how Eliab his brother talks to him – rude, belittling and accusing. And this is the one Samuel wanted to anoint king. Same thing happened with Aaron.
6. Why Is The Father Sending Provisions To The Captains Of His Sons’ Ranks? Some say to bribe them to be easy on his sons. (Read 1 Samuel 17:14-20). State some points.
7. Do You See That Those Who Noticed That David Had Some Qualities Were Outsiders And Not Family Members? A servant from the King’s court saw that there was a son of Jesse with some distinction (1 Samuel 16).
8. Some Parents Often Do Not Cultivate That Sense Of Mutual Self Respect Among Children Especially Those With Many. Value each of your children irrespective of their position in the family or the size of their nose. David was considered so insignificant that his father did not call him to the feast.
9. His Mother Might Have Been Unique. If this reference is to her, then she was dead by the time he is introduced to her. See Psalm 116 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. 16 Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains. She might have been a woman of God.
10. His Brothers Did Not Respect Each Other Especially David. Yet this is the one that God will use to save that family from paying taxes in Israel. Be careful who you despise in your family.
11. The Father Did Not Teach Then To Respect Each Other: Look at how they taunt David before others on the battle front.
12. David Is The Eighth Son: Seven is completion, eight will mark a new beginning for Israe.
THREE MAJOR ANOINTINGS OF DAVID
1. First Anointing In Bethlehem And David Was Persecuted By Saul (1 Samuel 16). For one thing, one does not have to literally abdicate the throne in order to be demoted. The scripture had already stated that Saul had slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands. The war against David continued, as a jealous pride filled king Saul had already been rejected by God.
2. Second Anointing In Hebron Over The House Of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4). David was notified that king Saul was buried. Here is an anointing of {Judah} praise when we acknowledge that Saul {the flesh} has been put to death.
3. Third Anointing Is As King Over All Of Israel (2 Samuel 5:17). David takes on his greatest anointing. He has risen from childhood, been processed in his youth to ascend the throne. In the third anointing, there is no divided kingdom. Israel became exalted before the Lord, and the Philistines knew that David was anointed as king over Israel. Even in David's third anointing, the Philistines carried out attacks amidst defeat - new level of anointing will bring a level of confrontation. The warfare did not necessarily cease - at times it got very intense.
GOD SPEAKS, WE APPLY: FROM HERE WE SEE THAT:
God Reject The Self-Serving. God Exalts The God-Serving. God Looks Beyond The Outward Appearance And Sees The Heart. God Looks At The Heart & Notices The Nobodies Who Are Really Somebodies After All.
CONCLUSION (3 APPLICATIONS)
1. God’s Solutions Are Strange And Simple – Be Open.
2. God’s Provisions Are Usually Sudden And Surprising, Be Ready.
3. God’s Selections Are Always Sovereign And Sure, Be Calm.
So We Leave Young David Where We Met Him: Tending the sheep. Nothing has changed, yet everything has changed. Now when he looks at his reflection in a pool of water, he does not see a “nobody” shepherd boy, he sees the person God created him to be. He sees a king. You can read Psalms 23 with a new look. Indeed God is our shepherd.
CLOSING PRAYER: HOW MANY WANT TO SERVE? Not you but God will do it thru you.
Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ 11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. It is not about you, but God. He will do it thru you.
