From Shepherd To King

May 25, 2023

The last few weeks, we've been talking about David with our middle school and high school students.

And as we have reflected on his life, I have been floored by God’s ability to show up in the most unexpected ways.

David is described as an incredible king, as a “man after God’s own heart.” But his story starts with incredibly humble beginnings in 1 Samuel 16, when Samuel is instructed to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the new king since Saul has turned away from God.

Jesse gathers his family for a feast with the prophet. But after going through all of the seven sons that are present, God rejects them all. Samuel discovers that Jesse hadn’t included his youngest son in the gathering – likely because he was too young or insignificant in Jesse’s eyes to fit the bill for a feast with Samuel. But God isn’t interested in the outward appearance, and he knows David’s heart.

So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this 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 powerfully upon David.

- 1 Samuel 16:11-13

David is just a young shepherd boy, a job that is normally reserved for a servant. His birth order, his work, his father’s oversight, all of these factors make him the least likely to be anointed as the future king of Israel. But God isn’t limited to our finite expectations. And He often displays His power in the places we least expect it.

God also knew that the humility and discipline that was being developed in David due to these factors, were preparing him for a successful future leading his people.

What’s even more astounding is that 17 years pass between this anointing and David actually becoming king. David could have easily begun to see his role as a shepherd as meaningless, and just sit around eagerly awaiting his opportunity to be king. But instead, God was showing David that his present work was preparing him for his future calling. Friends, too often we’re sold the lie that either we’re not good enough to do something meaningful, or we can’t do anything meaningful until we get to the thing we’ve been waiting for.

David could have believed the lie that he was too young or too poor or too inexperienced. You could believe that lie that you’re not good enough or too sinful.

David could have wasted the 17 years of waiting and missed out on the lessons God had for him in the hard work. You could waste the current position you’re in waiting for when you finally graduate, get the promotion, have the baby, or rack up enough money to fix all of the problems. But the truth is, there are lessons for you in the assignment God has for you today. Even if it’s not glamorous. Even if it’s not a kingdom, yet.

We spend too many days waking up wishing for something different. Wishing we were something different. Wishing we could move onto the next thing already.

But God has a calling on your life today. Whether you have reached the kingdom or you’re still in the fields.

God was preparing David every single day for the miraculous things He was going to do through him. Don’t doubt the season you’re in. Every single day, wake up with expectancy. When your eyes are open to it, you will see the purpose God has to prepare you for His future plans.