An Unexpected Call

Experiencing David’s Challenges

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“or2a-ov;ivnnyr Tavi;i Hyd

1 Sam 16:1-13

We started a new series of sermons hoping for us to experience the challenges that David faced. David wanted to build a temple for the Lord. God did not want that to happen and said, “I will build you a house, an everlasting kingdom.” Last Sunday we saw that instead of being with his army, David stayed home, spent too much leisure time and had an affair. Rather than facing his sin, he covered it with lies and destroyed a family as well as his relationship with God. Once he realized his sin, he repented and composed Psalm 51 with a broken heart. We learned about God’s grace and mercy touching a broken heart. I hope we all come to God in the same attitude.

Today we move to another event in David’s life. His acceptance of God’s call to be anointed king. David heard God’s call through the prophetic voice of Samuel and did not reject it. David accepted the challenge.

In order to understand this chapter, let us dig in some history.

King Saul was not God’s choice to start with. Israel did not have a king. However, they wanted to be like other nation and they demanded from God to let them have a king. Even prophet Samuel was not convinced that they should have a king. Yet God granted Israel’s request and told Samuel to anoint the person they chose who happened to be Saul.

Saul was an egocentric king; he did not obey God. He outwardly showed that he followed God’s commandments, yet he ruled his kingdom without God. Worse, he worshiped God only by lips and superficially by offerings. Eventually in chapter 16 we find that God departed from him. “Now the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul…” (16:14). It is terrifying to find that the spirit of the Lord departs from someone. Worse, when there is spiritual vacuum, the place is ready for the spirit, the harmful spirit. “…and a harmful spirit from the Lord tormented him” (16:14). God does not like to send evil spirits. Yet in this context we see that Saul deliberately disobeyed God, and eventually he lost God. He chose to live away from God. He became a schizophrenic character, suspicious from every one, some days very happy, other days depressed. His people and servants were concerned for their king.

Samuel got angry with the situation. He was quiet and sad. God asked, “How long you will grieve over Saul?”

Sometimes we get stuck in some kind of disappointment, grief, pain, failure, sin … something that we lose our peace with God. I love God’s statement to Samuel. “How long you are going to stay in this condition? Get up and go. I have mission for you. I have new king in mind.”

Today God is calling you. Maybe something is bothering you. How long you are going to stay in that condition? Get up (put your name).

We will continue in English.