Scripture

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 upon David in power.

Observation

The Lord has removed His favour from Saul. He tells Samuel to go to Bethlehem where Samuel is to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as King.

So Samuel goes and meets with Jesse. He has Jesse bring his sons one by one. The oldest seems good to Samuel, but the Lord says that He is looking at the heart not the outward appearance.

Finally David is brought in from minding the sheep. The Lord tells Samuel “He is the one.”

Samuel anoints David with oil, and from that say on David walks in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Application

While people often judge by outward appearances, God looks at our heart. Even Samuel was seduced by fleshly thinking as he thought that Jesse’s eldest son would make a fine king.

Prophets and other christian ministers can be swayed by appearances. We can value the person who looks good rather than someone who loves the Lord but lacks education or sophistication.

The Lord looks at the heart of a man. We need to develop the gifts of discernment and insight to see beneath the surface of things and people through to the underlying reality.

Prayer

Lord, please teach me how to be attentive to your Spirit at all times. Amen.