God told Samuel to anoint David while Saul was still King. This was risky, and Samuel feared for his life. He was afraid that if Saul found out he was anointing another king, Saul would have him killed. Samuel talked to God about his, and God instructed him to offer a sacrifice and then secretly anoint the next king. Do God's instructions surprise you at all?
When Samuel came to town, the elders were afraid. Perhaps they thought he had a message of judgment from God. Samuel reassures them and then travels to Jesse's house to anoint one of his sons as the next king of Israel. Jesse introduces Samuel to seven of his sons; he doesn't even invite David, the youngest, to meet Samuel. What do you think of this? Do you think David knew Samuel was in town? It sounds like David was not highly regarded in his family. It sounds like no one thought he would do much with his life. Yet, God chose him as the next King. God famously said to Samuel, "People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
What do you think was in David's heart that set him apart from his brothers? As you reflect on this story, what do you think God sees when He looks beneath the exterior of your outward life and into your heart?
