Do you enjoy rooting for the underdog? I do. Whether in sports or fairy tales like Cinderella I’ve always enjoyed cheering the least likely to win. The world is a harsh place and it does my soul good to see that people do overcome adversities.

There are a lot of stories of underdogs in the Bible. Today I want to look into how David got anointed to be king. He was the least likely candidate, just like Cinderella.

Pay also attention to the way how God and Samuel interact. What a friendship! Such closeness! This text makes me to cry in my heart “Me, too!” How about you? It is possible. We just need to ask and learn to listen more closely.

God addressed Samuel: “So, how long are you going to mope over Saul? You know I’ve rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your flask with anointing oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I’ve spotted the very king I want among his sons.”
“I can’t do that,” said Samuel. “Saul will hear about it and kill me.” God said, “Take a heifer with you and announce, ‘I’ve come to lead you in worship of God, with this heifer as a sacrifice.’ Make sure Jesse gets invited. I’ll let you know what to do next. I’ll point out the one you are to anoint.”
Samuel did what God told him. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the town fathers greeted him, but apprehensively. “Is there something wrong?” “Nothing’s wrong. I’ve come to sacrifice this heifer and lead you in the worship of God. Prepare yourselves, be consecrated, and join me in worship.” He made sure Jesse and his sons were also consecrated and called to worship.
When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Here he is! God’s anointed!” But God told Samuel, “Looks aren’t everything. Don’t be impressed with his looks and stature. I’ve already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart.” Jesse then called up Abinadab and presented him to Samuel. Samuel said, “This man isn’t God’s choice either.” Next Jesse presented Shammah. Samuel said, “No, this man isn’t either.” Jesse presented his seven sons to Samuel. Samuel was blunt with Jesse, “God hasn’t chosen any of these.”
Then he asked Jesse, “Is this it? Are there no more sons?” “Well, yes, there’s the runt. But he’s out tending the sheep.” Samuel ordered Jesse, “Go get him. We’re not moving from this spot until he’s here.” Jesse sent for him. He was brought in, the very picture of health— bright-eyed, good-looking. God said, “Up on your feet! Anoint him! This is the one.” Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed him, with his brothers standing around watching. The Spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life.
Samuel left and went home to Ramah.
(1 Samuel 16: 1-13, MSG, emphasis added)

So if you’re feeling like an underdog, a runt or nobody. Don’t worry. People look at the face, God looks into the heart. You are just what God is looking for. God makes somebodies out of nobodies. It’s not about us. It’s about God and his empowering grace!

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for having the last word in the world.
Thank you for making somebodies out of nobodies.
Come, the Spirit Of God,
enter in our hearts and minds.
Empower us to always do your will.
Teach us how to be close friends with you.
Open our ears to hear your guidance.
Open our eyes to see your presence.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: How do you interact with God?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you share your life with God!

Picture “Samuel Anoints David to Be King! courtesy of Ochristian.com. Linking up today with It’s Not About Me November, Thought-Provoking Thursday &