March 13, 2023 | The Upper Room Daily Devotion

1 Samuel 16:1-13 tells the story of how David, the future king of Israel, was chosen and anointed by God. The story is a powerful reminder of how God works in mysterious ways, and how He often chooses unlikely individuals to carry out His plans.

In this passage, God tells the prophet Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king of Israel. When Samuel arrives, he is greeted by Jesse and his seven sons. Samuel immediately assumes that the oldest son, Eliab, must be the chosen one, as he is tall and handsome. However, God tells Samuel that He does not look at outward appearances, but at the heart.

One by one, Samuel inspects each of Jesse’s sons, but none of them are the one God has chosen. Finally, Samuel asks if there are any other sons, and Jesse reveals that there is one more, the youngest, who is out tending to the sheep. David is brought before Samuel, and God confirms that he is the one He has chosen to be the next king of Israel.

The story of David’s anointing is a powerful example of God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through the unexpected. David was a simple shepherd boy, not a likely candidate for a future king. But God saw something in David’s heart that made him the perfect choice to lead His people.

This passage is also a reminder that God values the condition of our hearts above all else. It doesn’t matter how talented, wealthy, or attractive we are. What matters most to God is our faith and our willingness to follow His plan.

In our own lives, we can take comfort in knowing that God has a plan for us, and that He will use us to accomplish great things, even if we don’t feel worthy or qualified. We can also take comfort in knowing that God sees our hearts, and that He will reward our faithfulness and obedience.

Overall, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, His ability to work through the unexpected, and His unwavering commitment to those who follow Him with all their hearts.