1 Samuel 16:8-13 (NRSV)
Read 1 Samuel 16:8-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 8Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one." Verse 9Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one." Verse 10Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen any of these." Verse 11Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all your sons here?" And he said, "There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here." Verse 12He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, "Rise and anoint him; for this is the one." Verse 13Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.
Devotion
David, the great king of Israel, was drafted for a leadership role in a way that surprised even his father. He was the youngest and the least of the sons of Jesse. Yet, God looked into his heart and perceived that David was just the kind of leader God needed. Is there anything in your heart that you are waiting for God to tap? What do you want God to know about your own desire to be of service in this world?
Prayer
God of surprises, help me see all the gifts you have given me in my baptismal calling. Give me the courage to offer them all in your service and to your glory. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.