Contemplative Bible Reading

1 Samuel 18:5 (New Living Translation)

Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander over the men of war, an appointment that was welcomed by the people and Saul’s officers alike.

David was a good guy. David was good at what he did. Everyone liked David.

God had appointed David, through Samuel the prophet, to be King of the people one day.

Let’s consider these two things: (1) God appointed David, and (2) everyone liked David.

God does not always work in the realm of popularity contests. I would suggest that God rarely works in the real of popularity contests. In this case, however, God’s choice is popular. I doubt God chose David because he was popular. The other way around is more likely, i.e., the people could see why God chose David.

There is a cliche that goes something like this: God doesn’t choose the equipped, but God does equip the chosen. It means something like God chooses the person with the right heart and imparts the worldly skills in the right place at the right time. I think this is what God did here with David. A little sheep herder who was not the first in line in his own little sheep herding family was chosen by God. God then equipped David so that one day the people and the commanders of the army welcomed him.

Prepare for God’s service. Gain skills. Grow a heart. Love and serve others. Perhaps God will appoint me King or Commander or something and have others welcome me. Perhaps not. Still, love and serve others as Christ did.