David
We know more about David than any other in the OT.
He was a Shepherd. He learned how to be alone. He learned to commune with God and with the nature around him. He learned to fight with courage and skill.
He was a Musician. The Bible speaks of his musical skill. He invented instruments. He wrote Songs and Poetry.
He was a Warrior. Won many battles with skill and determination. Won many with thinking and shrewdness.
He was a King. He was king of Israel for 40 mostly good years.
He was the last born into the family. Sometimes last born are not taken seriously. Ken Lehman in the "Birth Order Book" points out that last borns are often the entertainers of the family. When they were little they were "cute". When they get older they continue to entertain the troops.
Maybe that is why David was in the fields with the sheep when the sacrifice was made. David means "beloved". Some think it is a short form of Davidijah (Beloved by Jehovah). He is called “a man after God’s own heart”.
His appearance was not outstanding but not ugly either. He was a man with fine and handsome features - attractive enough to women. He was not a large man but small in stature while physically strong. He was after all a shepherd and used to the hard work.
David refused the armor of the King when he fought Goliath. He was Ruddy - some think he had auburn or red hair! (Probably white when he was older) Think of it - red hair on a king!
Here is the question: Why did God choose David to be King? Indeed how does God choose anyone to do his work?
Beyond that why and how will God call you? And to what work?
The call of God is a mysterious and important call
1st consideration to being called by God is a simple fact: GOD IS IN CHARGE
Previous to this the people had wanted a King - To be like the other nations. Samuel had warned them but they would not hear. (1 Samuel 8:1-19) So, God had given them a King - Like they wanted.
He was tall and handsome He was also proud and arrogant! He had become quite evil and hateful. Be careful what you pray for! You might receive it!
And you might not like it.
God allowed them to have what they wanted but God was still in charge! Do not make the mistake of thinking that God doesn’t care about what you do
Psalms 2
Psalms 2:1 (NIV) Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
Psalms 2:2 (NIV) The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One.
Psalms 2:3 (NIV) "Let us break their chains," they say, "and throw off their fetters."
Psalms 2:4 (NIV) The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
Psalms 2:5 (NIV) Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
Psalms 2:6 (NIV) "I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill."
Psalms 2:7 (NIV) I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son ; today I have become your Father.
Psalms 2:8 (NIV) Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.
Psalms 2:9 (NIV) You will rule them with an iron scepter ; you will dash them to pieces like pottery."
Psalms 2:10 (NIV) Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Psalms 2:11 (NIV) Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling.
Psalms 2:12 (NIV) Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
He may allow it but he is in charge! He cares what the nations do. He cares what you do! And he has a plan!
Do not think that God is just muddling along not sure of what will come next! He knows exactly what he needs to do and is getting prepared.
He is not a fussbudget fixer-upper. Fussbudget fixer-upper keeps trying things. Like the time I tried to fix an electric typewriter. Took it all apart and put it back together. It never worked again!
Unlike me, God knows what he is doing! The Second consideration about being called by God is that God looks at the heart.
Man looks at the outward appearance. Dobson has written a book about self-worth. The Gold coin is beauty. The Silver coin is money. And the Copper coin is intelligence.
It has never been different in any culture. The only difference has been the definitions of beauty or the medium of exchange. In the middle ages fat was beautiful. The Medium of exchange was a whole horse for the Indians of the Great Plains!
Other than that (definitions of beauty) the way we judge people is the same. What we can see!
That misses the most important part of us. God looks at the heart of a man while God wants to see the potential and bent. The Personality; the Character; the Spirit; the Temperament; and the Will.
It is CRITICAL TO UNDERSTAND: Every one of us has potential! God gives us what we need to build with that or to fail.
Now God was going to give them another King. With a difference - This time the criteria would be God’s
And he would look inside the heart and find the best man God not only has a plan - he has a man or woman for the plan!
Some people believe in being "called" - To the ministry; To the mission field.
I believe in being "called" too! He has called everyone of us to some work or ministry. According to his will. According to his judgement. According to his plan. The Only decision is how are you going to respond to the calling?
The third consideration is that if you will be the man in God’s plan - God will help you.
David could have refused the anointing. This was not mandatory. It was a momentous decision that set the course of his life!
The anointing of Oil was reserved for Kings, Priests, and for Prophets. It signified the pouring out of God’s Holy Spirit on the receiving person. It set that person apart for a special work of God.
The help of the Holy Spirit in our lives (comes with our acceptance of Jesus) is encouragement - yes we can do it! It is comfort - when it becomes difficult and hard. And it will bring pressure - God not only loves me he believes in me!
What does God want to do with you? David was called to be King. It is both humbling and amazing. Especially when you consider that he immediately went back to the flocks.
Most estimated that he was about 25 and spent the next 5 years in hardship and difficulty. It was all training for the work God had called him to do.
I was called to lead a church. I immediately went to Bible College. There were several years of training and interning as youth minister. There were many years of serving in the ministry and now finally I am beginning to understand how!
What is God calling you to do with your life? Some are called to serve others. Some are called to preach the word. Some to teach – youth/children/adults. Some to encourage – in music and worship. Some to give liberally – There are "5 talent" people with much to give and there are "2 talent" people with less. Some are called to lead – Home Groups or serve as shepherds. Some are called to extend mercy - ministering and caring for people that hurt.
Give yourself to God’s plan for your life!
