Day 86

The Rise of David

Read: 1 Samuel 15-17

Saul makes yet another mistake. When told to destroy the enemy’s cattle, he saves some to use for a sacrifice. Samuel expressed a biblical principle: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (15:22). Today also, God is far more concerned with obedient living than with impressive liturgy.

God sends Samuel out to look for a replacement for Saul. He is sent to choose from among the sons of Jesse. Even though handsome Saul had been a failure, he is impressed with the first good-looking son of Jesse. But God reminded him, “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (16:7).

After being anointed, David continues in a servant role, playing music to soothe the distraught heart of Saul. Then the battle lines form between the Philistines and the Israelites. The giant Goliath issues a challenge and defies God of the armies of Israel. David is sent to bring food to his brothers in the army. Seeing Goliath and hearing his defiance, he offers to fight him.

David’s faith becomes evident when he said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and . . . bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (17:37), and when he said, “You come to me with a sword and . . . spear and . . . javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts” (v. 45). May God increase our faith so that we will not be afraid as we face challenges.

PRAYER
Father, help us to see the opportunities for service which lie before us and face them with assurance. Amen.