Lent mid-week 4

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church-Friedheim
Celebrating our 169th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Mid-Week Lent 4
February 27, 2008
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Samuel anoints David as king - God selects our leader
The light for vision

 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD'S anointed stands here before the LORD.” 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 man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the LORD chosen this one.” Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered, “but he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” 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. Samuel then went to Ramah.

Introduction: From day to day we are constantly in need of forming opinions of people as prospective employee, spouse, friend, or ruler. As a national election looms in front of us, what leadership qualities are we looking for in our leaders on the national, sate and local level? Bringing it closer to home, you may ask yourself, what do I see in a person that I would choose that person to work for, or to marry, or to be a good friend? How do you know a person has what it takes? Is the person really what he/she appears to be? In our text, Samuel was making the wrong choices until God told him whom to anoint as king. We continue under the theme God’s dealing with people. In selecting a leader the Lord gives both vision and direction. 

What do you see in a person?

1.      Observe the person’s appearance — v. 12; “So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” 

When God wants a servant, what does He look for? What is the true measure of a potential leader? Because of his physical appearance, Samuel thought Eliab was God’s choice, but God told Samuel not to look at the outward appearance.  

Our first impressions are usually deceptive and incomplete. We tend to judge people based on their appearance, their mannerisms (smile, handshake, liveliness, etc.) and their tone. However, reality runs deeper than what is visible at the surface.  Yet, most people would believe your appearance says who you are just as your clothes tell others who you are.

Eliab.  whose name means “God is Father.” Appeared to be the heir apparent.  He is a fine physical specimen, and Samuel thinks that he is surely the chosen one.  But, God says, “I have refused him.” The word “refuse” simply means to “reject.”  Eliab might have looked pleasing outwardly, but something in his character disqualified him from being the king. 

Transition: Observing the person’s appearance might be important to some. Better yet, look at the person’s occupation.

2.      Consider the person’s occupation — v. 11; “So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered, “but he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”

David’s occupation could have quickly disqualified him. He was only a shepherd who was not even at home at the time - but in the fields watching over his sheep. In that day, a shepherd’s work was considered the lowest of occupations. In our world today students can spend years preparing themselves for a marketable career.

A question could be asked, do we judge a person based on their occupation?   Do we give preference to people based on their income?   Are there certain jobs we might consider to be “beneath us”?  

"When we pray the Lord's Prayer," observed Luther, "we ask God to give us this day our daily bread. And He does give us our daily bread. He does it by means of the farmer who planted and harvested the grain, the baker who made the flour into bread, the person who prepared our meal." We might today add the truck drivers who hauled the produce, the factory workers in the food processing plant, the warehouse men, the wholesale distributors, the stock boys, the lady at the checkout counter. Also playing their part are the bankers, futures investors, advertisers, lawyers, agricultural scientists, mechanical engineers, and every other player in the nation's economic system. All of these were instrumental in enabling you to eat your morning bread. [1]

Occupations are important in our world yet their importance goes far beyond what is often seen on the surface.

Transition: Considering a person’s occupation is important in choosing a leader better yet observe the person’s background.

3.      Look at the person’s background — v. 3; “Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.”

A person’s background, his upbringing, his schooling, and his family are often important factors in determining a person’s ability to rule. Samuel was to go to a certain family - the family of Jesse. From this family a certain member was to be selected as the future king. Yet it was the Lord Himself who would elect that person who would be king. We can only judge what is available to us lying on the surface. It is the Lord Himself who alone judges the heart.  

Transition: Considering a person’s background is critical in choosing a leader. Better yet, examine the person’s heart.  

4.      Examine the person’s heart and spirit — vv. 7, 13;“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 man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 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. Samuel then went to Ramah.” -the very best!

Says the Lord God, I don't see things how you see things, Samuel look again.  What humans consider unworthy, unacceptable, undesirable God counts as extremely important. Samuel was about to overlook David, and his father did not consider him a prospect, because he was the youngest of eight sons. Moreover, he was only a shepherd who was not even at home at the time but in the fields watching over his sheep. In that day, a shepherd’s work was considered the lowest of occupations. David’s youth was against him, for a king needed experience and maturity.

Compare the Son of David; he, too, was of humble parents and was born in a stable and laid in a manger. He lived a life of suffering, rejection, betrayal and scorn. His was not a noble death applauded by the religious elite. Yet our Lord Jesus in His suffering, humiliation, agony, and bloody sweat; and at a cross where He took our sins upon Himself. His death which He died on a cross - it was this miserable death which has saved us.   

Conclusion: When looking for the marks of greatness and the qualities for leadership do not be fooled by what appears on the surface. They are but a façade. The Lord, He judges the heart. He saw in David a man after His own heart. His own Son, a Second David, bore your sins in His own body that you might die unto sin and live unto righteousness.  In these precious wounds we find peace with God and clemency for your sins and offenses.   

 +Soli Deo Gloria+

[1] introduction by Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Institute director and World Magazine editor: