1 Samuel 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and with of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said… 1. The historical narrative commences just where David's life becomes an instrument of service for God. Is this not where our life history commences, the point from which the record starts? The years of training for the work require no record there God's plan concerning our creation has one great object, "that we may glorify Him"; and when our will is consciously surrendered to His, then our names appear as fitted into the mosaic of His purpose. Then, and then only. are we co-workers together with Him. No true heart ever altogether loses the influence of early days, and when those days are saturated with the piety of a godly mother, the influence is an important factor in the formation of character. 2. Samuel was on the Lord's work when his judgment was at fault. How often we need to be kept back — prevented from going as otherwise we would beyond our instructions! He who sends will tell you when to lift and on whom to empty the horn of consecrating oil. 3. We are reminded here of the old but ever-needed truth, that in the diligent performance of present duties lies the road to further usefulness and honour. David was just attending to his ordinary duties, minding the sheep. So was Gideon, when God's angel called him. Levi also was at the receipt of custom, end the disciples were mending their nets. 4. All great deeds are built upon and built up with little ones. The stupendous monoliths are grains, and rest upon atoms. The mightiest mountain is the aggregate of smallest grains, as is the ocean of tiny drops of water. So the hand that was to lay low the Philistine giant learned its accuracy of aim by exercise in daily duty. I. IN THE DIVINE CALL LIES THE SECRET OF ALL SUCCESSFUL SERVICE AS OF ALL JOYFUL LIFE. And God knows where and when to find us. He sends His messengers direct to us. Every place is open to the coming of the Holy Spirit's monitions. II. THE DIVINE CALL COMES IRRESPECTIVE OF OTHERS. No brethren, or sisters, or elders can hinder. If there be no Samuel at our feasts, there is ever the Spirit of God calling us through varied instrumentalities to arise. His whispers thinly heard must be obeyed. Sheep nor brethren, business nor friends, must keep us from obedience. III. THE DIVINE CALL COMES TO THE INDIVIDUAL. David is the one whom Samuel takes apart and tells of God's choice. IV. THE DIVINE CALL SEPARATES US FROM OTHERS. Eliab, Abinadab, Shammah, Nathaniel, Raddai, Ozem, and, maybe, Elihu (1 Chronicles 27:18), the brothers, may be standing by, but Divine anointing separates. The Divine call separates you from yourself unto God's own self. And all that stands in the way of this separation makes misery. Beware. Obey. Response to Divine invitation is the only way to advance to Divine service. (H. E. Stone.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. |
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