Chosen But…Not Invited
The transition of leadership from Saul to David (in the Bible) has always fascinated me. For this very reason, I have read the book of 1 Samuel dozens of times. The book of 1 Samuel starts with the people of Israel complaining about being led by Judges and Prophets. They now desire a king like the other nations. God allows this transition simply because He does not desire to control our choices, even if it is not what is best for us. Saul was chosen because of his stature and physical appearance (I Sam 9:2). However, for such a task as leading a nation, the qualified candidate must be more than handsome. We soon see the deep-seated character issues that exist in Saul. It is those character defects that cause him to lose his position as the King of Israel (and eventually his life – 1 Samuel 31:1-4).
I Samuel 16 introduces us to David who God has chosen to be the next king of Israel. On the surface this seems to be an innocent retelling of the events leading up to David’s anointing. However, as we take a deeper dive into the scripture it is apparent that only God really wanted David to be the next king to lead the people of Israel.
Why did I title this excerpt “Chosen BUT… Not Invited”? Well let’s pull out a couple of truths.
Truth 1: People mourn what was and cannot celebrate what has come (V. 1) – Sometimes the place or role we are chosen to fill was occupied by someone previously. Even though the person was not as qualified, educated, anointed, caring… whatever… there will still be individuals who find it difficult to accept your placement into that space. It is not our responsibility to compete with the past or even try to convince those who are still mourning that we are “chosen” because we are equipped for the part. That is their issue! Stay focused on the role and responsibilities of your purpose for being there.
Truth 2: There is an unconscious temptation to choose the next person based off the last person (V. 6-7) – Samuel thought for sure that Eliab, Jesse’s oldest son was the next king. This was primarily based on two facts. First, Eliab is the oldest son, and it is customary that the eldest be chosen. However, God continues to prove that He cares nothing about the birth order of the person chosen to do His divine work. If God does not care about your birth order, neither should you. Trust that whatever God has chosen you to do. You can do it through His strength, knowledge, and equipping. Second, although Samuel was thoroughly disappointed in the character of Saul, there were physical traits about Saul that Samuel liked. No doubt, to Samuel, these traits exemplified what the king should look like when leading his soldiers and a nation of people. Maybe you do not look like the prototype person for the role you have been chosen for. Hey… you may not even have all the qualifications related to the role. However, you have the heart, drive, and passion to work hard at “getting it right”. That is what matters most in the eyesight of God (anthropomorphic – as if God has eyes). Are you willing to work hard and allow God to help you grow into the role completely (2 Timothy 2:15)?
Truth 3: Sometimes the chosen person is not invited intentionally (V.11) – One of the first commands to Jesse from Samuel was to call all his sons so he and them could be sanctified (cleaned or consecrated) for the sacrifice (v. 5). So, why was David not called from the fields? I know we want to make an excuse for this oversight. We tend to do that as a way of making ourselves feel better. The truth is sometimes we are intentionally not invited! Jealousy, envy, greed, insecurity, and much more sit secretly in the hearts of some of the people around us. Sometimes these attitudes are overt and filled with insults, putdowns, and negative mentions of our past failures (humanity). But often the attitudes are masked with smiles, kind but false words of admiration, and empty offers of prayers. Take hope in the fact that NOT being invited by someone will not prevent us from showing up. Promotion and choosing is divinely directed by God (Psalms 75:6-7).
Truth 4: Being excluded is done in secret BUT being chosen is done openly (v. 12-13) – I am sure David was wondering what was going on when he arrives to the sacrifice. His whole family is there with man of God, Samuel. They are clean and consecrated while he smells likes the sheep and the fields. When David arrives God tells Samuel, “Arise, anoint him, this is he”! This is powerful!!! When God says you are the one, nothing or no one can stop the anointing that is about to happen. Even if the person who is responsible for anointing you is not in agreement… nothing can stop it. Even if your family and friends want to bring up your shortcomings and past failures… nothing can stop it. Even if you still have several years before you are ready to assume the chosen position… nothing can stop it. Even if your enemies contrive to block your way… nothing can stop you from being chosen!
I have had to learn this these truths in my own life and daily they are being reinforced. Everyday God provides me with new insights as to why my journey has included both professional successes and personal failures. God has had to wash the stain of shame and guilt away from the forefront of my mind or I would feel afraid or inferior to others. God can do the same for you.
Today, let me encourage you. You are the chosen one for such a time as this! You are the chosen one, despite the fact you have not been formally invited like everyone else. You may have to go back to fields to allow your character and understanding to align with the call of God on your life (that is called preparation). You will most definitely have to wait on God’s timing to catch up with the call on your life. However, do not fret “For the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen (2 Corinthians 1:20)”.
Blessings...
