Anointed for Service

By Peter Sung

Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” ~ I Samuel 16:12b

READING: I Samuel 16:1-13

Samuel had made the mistake once before with Saul. The Bible describes Saul as the most
handsome man in Israel who stood one head taller than everybody else, and when Samuel first
laid his eyes on Saul, Samuel was impressed, and anointed him as king. And now at Jesse’s
house, God had a lesson for Samuel to learn. With olive oil in hand, Samuel is ready and waiting
to anoint, but God rejects each and every one of Jesse’s sons. Finally God speaks: “God does not
see as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance of things but God looks at the heart”
(16:7).

Jesse has one remaining son who is barely counted among his sons. This runt of the litter is out
with the sheep, the lowliest of tasks. But God commands Samuel to anoint David as the king
over all of Israel, and, when Samuel does, the Spirit of God rushes upon the young boy.

Have you learned this lesson? God does not anoint the strong or the wise. It is the way of God to
choose the weak and foolish things of the world. We have been anointed for our task of church
planting, not because we are great but because he is great and he does not want any case of
mistaken praise.

David was anointed for service by God for reasons we are hardly able to see. We have been
anointed for service for reasons only God is able to see. Our little church does not exist to
showcase our strengths but to reveal God’s grace. And his grace is sufficient for us.

Father, We repent for competing with you. Forgive us for thinking ourselves strong and wise
enough to build your church. Amen.