David: The Unlikely Candidate

August 25th, 2024/Casey Middle School

Passage: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem because I have selected for myself a king from his sons.” 2 Samuel asked, “How can I go? Saul will hear about it and kill me!” The Lord answered, “Take a young cow with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Then invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will let you know what you are to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate to you.” 4 Samuel did what the Lord directed and went to Bethlehem. When the elders of the town met him, they trembled and asked, “Do you come in peace?” 5 “In peace,” he replied. “I’ve come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.”

Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and said, “Certainly the Lord’s anointed one is here before him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.” 8 Jesse called Abinadab and presented him to Samuel. “The Lord hasn’t chosen this one either,” Samuel said. 9 Then Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The Lord hasn’t chosen this one either.” 10 After Jesse presented seven of his sons to him, Samuel told Jesse, “The Lord hasn’t chosen any of these.”

11 Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” he answered, “but right now he’s tending the sheep.” Samuel told Jesse, “Send for him. We won’t sit down to eat until he gets here.” 12 So Jesse sent for him. He had beautiful eyes and a healthy, handsome appearance. Then the Lord said, “Anoint him, for he is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully on David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

Pray:

Big Idea: This message takes us on a journey from the rejection of Saul, through Samuel’s heartbreak, to the unexpected selection of David—a young shepherd who would lay the foundation for God’s eternal kingdom. Let’s get started!

Main Points:

1. Saul Was Rejected

   1. “The Lord said to Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel?” 1 Samuel 16:1

   2. Saul’s name literally means "asked for" or "prayed for." That’s important because Saul was exactly what the people wanted. He had the look—tall, strong, and commanding. He was like the LeBron James of Israel, the first king, the one everyone believed would lead them into victory and give them the stability they craved. But here’s the thing: looking the part doesn’t mean living the part. And that’s where Saul messed up.

      1. First, in 1 Samuel 13:8-14, Saul didn’t wait for the prophet Samuel. He got impatient, thought he could do it his own way, and took matters into his own hands by offering a burnt offering without the prophet. He thought, “I got this.” But let me tell you, God wasn’t looking for Saul to “handle it.” He was looking for obedience, not just a show of sacrifice.

      2. Then, in 1 Samuel 15, Saul takes it to another level. God gave him clear instructions—wipe out the Amalekites, leave nothing behind, no survivors, no spoils. But what does Saul do? He decides, “Nah, I’ll keep the best stuff and spare King Agag. I can use this for a sacrifice later, right?” Wrong! Samuel came through and dropped a word: “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). And just like that, in God’s eyes, Saul’s reign was done.

         3. Here’s why this matters: Saul’s story teaches us something crucial. It doesn’t matter how good you look on the outside, how perfect your Instagram feed is, how fast you can run, how much you can lift, or how many zeros are in your bank account—if your heart isn’t right with God, none of that matters. Saul thought he could do things his way, but God is always after our obedience. It’s not about the appearance; it’s about the alignment. When we start prioritizing our logic, our plans, over God’s commands, we risk losing everything He’s set up for us.

      3. Prob 3:5-6

      4. And listen, I know we’ve all been there. We’ve all had moments where we thought we knew better, where we were tempted to cut corners or justify our actions because it seemed right to us. But let this be a reminder: God’s ways are higher than ours. Trust Him, even when it doesn’t make sense. Because obedience is the path to His blessing. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about living good, according to His Word. Let’s be a people who don’t just look the part, but live the part, fully obedient to God’s call.

2. Samuel Was Dejected

   1. "But Samuel said, ‘How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.’" - 1 Samuel 16:2
   2. This man was a heavy hitter—a prophet, priest, and judge all rolled into one. Samuel wasn’t just any leader; he was the bridge between the old and the new, the one God used to anoint Israel’s first king. Samuel was invested! He poured everything he had into Saul, believing that this man could lead God’s people. But when Saul didn’t follow through, when he couldn’t finish what God started, it broke Samuel’s heart.
   3. Samuels Despair: And I’m not talking about just a little disappointment; Samuel was crushed. The Bible says in 1 Samuel 16:2 that when God told Samuel to anoint a new king, Samuel was scared, saying, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” This wasn’t just fear; it was the weight of everything falling apart. Samuel was in despair, not just because Saul had failed, but because of what it meant for the future of Israel. He felt the burden of the people’s choice, the weight of their demands for a king, and it all seemed to be crumbling.
   4. But here’s what I need you to catch: even when Samuel was ready to give up, God wasn’t done. Somebody say, “God’s not finished!” Come on now, even when everything looks like it’s falling apart, God’s already got a new plan in motion. Samuel had to make a choice—stay stuck in the mourning of what didn’t work out, or step into what God was doing next. And yeah, it meant risking everything, but God was about to do something new, something better, through someone unexpected—David.

   5. What does this mean for us?: Samuel’s dejection shows us the emotional toll of leadership and the challenge of moving forward when things don’t go as planned. It’s easy to get stuck in what could have been, to let the past hold you back from stepping into the future. But listen, God’s not in the business of dwelling on what didn’t work; He’s in the business of moving forward.

      1. I know we’ve all been there. We’ve all faced those moments where something we invested in didn’t turn out the way we hoped. Maybe it was a relationship, a job, a dream—you name it. But Samuel’s story is a reminder that we can’t stay stuck in the past. God’s plans are always moving forward, and He’s calling us to move with Him. Even when it’s hard to let go, even when it feels like you’re risking everything, trust that what God has ahead is better than anything you’re leaving behind. So don’t let yesterday’s failures keep you from tomorrow’s victories. It’s time to step into the new thing God is doing!

3. David Was Selected

   1. "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 16:12-13
   2. Alright, let’s dive into this because this is where it gets real good! We’re talking about David, this young, unlikely shepherd who wasn’t anybody’s first pick, but he was God’s chosen one. Let me take you back to 1 Samuel 16:12-13. God told Samuel, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” And just like that, in front of his brothers, Samuel anoints David, and the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon him.
   3. Now, here’s something you gotta know. The name "David" means "beloved." And that’s exactly how God saw him—His beloved, the one He had favor on from the start. But hold up, David wasn’t the obvious choice. He wasn’t even in the lineup at first! He was out in the fields, tending sheep, probably around 15 years old. Meanwhile, his older brothers were standing there, looking like they just stepped off the cover of GQ—Eliab, the eldest, had the stature, the experience. If we were choosing, we might have gone with Eliab. But God? He passed him right by.

   4. And why is that? Because God doesn’t see like man sees. While we’re out here judging by appearances, God is looking at the heart. Let me paint this picture for you—Eliab was tall, strong, looked the part. But God said, “Nope.” Then there’s David—an unlikely youth with a humble heart. Aren’t you grateful that God doesn’t look at the outward appearance, but He sees and prioritizes the heart? Come on, somebody!

      1. Pic of Eliab: and then 6 other older brothers that also looked the part… then there was David in the field.
      2. Pic of David: an unlikely youth with a humble heart.
      3. Aren’t you grateful today that God doesn’t look at the outward appearance, but He sees and PRIORITIZES the heart!

      4. David’s Brothers: David wasn’t even on the radar, but God knew exactly what He was doing. He saw that shepherd boy with a heart that beat for Him, and when Samuel poured that oil, it wasn’t just an anointing—it was an activation! God was setting His plan in motion, a plan that would take years to fully unfold. But in that moment, God was saying, “This is the one I’ve chosen.”

         5. God Sees The Heart:

      5. We can only see what’s on the outside right? At first anyways. The fact that even Samuel saw the eldest brother and thought “Yeah, this looks like the guy” gives me some consolation. But God challenges this way of thinking! He says “I look deeper!” And I believe so should we!

      6. David’s selection is a powerful reminder that God’s criteria are not what we expect. He sees potential in the places we overlook. When God calls someone, it’s not based on their resume, their appearance, or what the world thinks of them—it’s based on their heart.
      7. This is huge because it means that no matter where you come from or how others see you, God can use you. David’s story is challenging us to look beyond the surface—both in ourselves and in others—and trust that God has a plan, even if it takes time to come to fruition. For our lives today, this is a reminder that God’s calling may come when we least expect it, and He will prepare and equip us for what’s ahead, even if the journey takes time. So, don’t disqualify yourself because you don’t look the part. If God’s called you, He’s got a plan, and He’s gonna make sure you’re ready for it!
         6. Embrace The Process:
      8. Let me break this down for you because I need you to catch this. David—y’all know David, the guy who took down Goliath—he was anointed by the prophet Samuel when he was just a teenager. We’re talking about a young man, around 15 years old, some scholars believe he could have been as young as 10 years old, and God had already set him apart for greatness. But listen, David didn’t become king right away. Nah, it didn’t happen like that. Some of us think that just because we got the anointing, we’re ready for the appointing, but let me show you what God was doing in David’s life.

      9. Check this out. In 1 Samuel 16, David gets anointed by Samuel. Oil is dripping down his head, and the Spirit of the Lord comes on him powerfully. But here’s the thing: Saul is still the reigning king. David doesn’t go straight to the palace, he goes back to the pasture! He goes back to tending sheep. Somebody say, “Back to the basics!” That’s right. Sometimes, even after God puts His hand on you, He’ll send you back to the basics to develop what’s on the inside of you.

         1. You may be called to pioneer new ground, plant new churches, and lead great moves of God, then God says “Keep cleaning the church”, “Keep serving in the Hikers room in PNWD Kids”, “Keep prayer walking around that school”.
         2. You may feel led to write songs that churches will sing around the world, but God says “Keep practicing that piano”, “Keep studying the Word of God”, “Keep worshiping in the quiet place.”
         3. Example: You may not see the full picture until you’ve spent enough time in the dark room. Cause it’s in the dark room, that you get developed!
            7. 15 Years Later: And what happens next? David ends up serving in Saul’s court as a musician, as an armor-bearer. He’s learning the ropes, getting close to the throne without sitting on it yet. And then, fast forward—Saul dies in battle. Now, after about 15 years—15 years, y’all—David finally becomes king, but not over the whole kingdom. He’s anointed as king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron at the age of 30. Some of y’all are in a Hebron season right now. God has given you a taste, but you haven’t seen the full promise yet.
            8. 22 Years Later: But wait, it gets better. Seven and a half years later, after conflict and civil war between the house of Saul and the house of David—David is finally anointed as king over all Israel at the age of 37. Now, you might be thinking, “Why did it take so long?” But let me tell you something: God was preparing David for his purpose. This lengthy period wasn’t a delay, it was development! God was using this time to shape David into the king He needed him to be.

      10. All you need to do is read through the Psalms of David to understand how each season shaped him into the man after God’s own heart.

      11. And in the coming weeks, we’ll dive deeper into how the shepherding helped to develop him into a warrior king.
      12. Application: Start now, start small, and stay faithful.
          9. And some of you need to hear this right now: Just because it’s taking time doesn’t mean God’s promise isn’t coming to pass. You’re in the preparation phase. You’re in the growth phase. God is setting you up, so when you step into what He has for you, you’re ready to handle it. Don’t rush the process! Trust that God knows what He’s doing. Your time is coming, and when it does, you’ll be ready to reign in the fullness of what God has called you to.
          10. Some of y’all think the season that you were in is a delay, some of you think it is a distraction, but what if I told you it’s development. It’s the training ground. It’s the season that enables you to be successful in the next. It’s the time spent in the presence of God, stewarding the influence and responsibility you currently have, preparing you for what to come.
          11. So, if you’re waiting, if you’re wondering why it’s taking so long, remember David. Remember that the anointing is just the beginning. There’s a process, there’s a journey, and it’s all leading to the place God has prepared for you. Keep trusting, keep growing, and know that God’s timing is always perfect!

Closing:

Let's talk about David’s story—because it’s not just about a shepherd who became a king. No, no, no, it’s way bigger than that! David’s story is about God’s master plan of salvation, unfolding through an unlikely individual. This is God picking someone nobody expected to establish a kingdom that would last forever. Let me tell you, when God writes a story, it’s always got layers, and David’s life is a key chapter in the greatest story ever told.

Now, here’s the deal: David’s journey isn’t just ancient history. It’s not just something we read about in Sunday school and move on. No, David’s story is part of the ongoing, never-ending story of God’s redemption—a story that finds its climax in Jesus Christ, the true King in the line of David. You see, everything David went through, all the highs and lows, the victories and the mess-ups, were pointing us to something greater—to someone greater. And that someone is Jesus.

But here’s where it gets real for us today: just like David, you and I are called to play our part in this story. C’mon!!! We’re not just spectators; we’re participants in God’s redemption plan. And let me tell you, God’s plan is always bigger than what we can see. You might feel overlooked, you might feel unlikely, but let me remind you—those are exactly the kind of people God loves to choose!

So here’s the challenge: Are you ready to step into it with faith? Are you willing to trust that God’s got something for you that’s bigger than what you’ve imagined? Because if David’s story tells us anything, it’s that God chooses the unlikely, the overlooked, and the willing. He takes what the world sees as ordinary and uses it to do the extraordinary.

So let’s not just read about David’s life—let’s learn from it. Let’s be the kind of people who say, “God, if You can use David, You can use me. I’m here, I’m willing, and I’m ready to step into whatever You have for me.” Because the same God who called David is calling you. And He’s not just calling you to be a part of history; He’s calling you to be a part of His story—one that’s still being written today, and one that’s always leading us closer to Jesus, the true King in the line of David.

Walking Points: Let’s take all of this and bring it home with three very practical next steps you can take today:

1. Prioritize Obedience Over Outward Success
   1. Saul’s downfall reminds us that obedience to God is more important than looking successful in the world’s eyes. Your next step is to examine your life—where have you been tempted to cut corners or prioritize your own plans over God’s commands? Make a commitment today to put obedience first. It might not always make sense to others, but God’s blessing follows those who obey Him fully.
2. Embrace Your Process
   1. Just like David, you might be in a season of waiting or preparation right now. It can be tough when you know God has called you to something, but you’re not there yet. Here’s your first step: Embrace where God has you right now. Trust that He’s developing the character, skills, and heart you need for the future He’s preparing for you. Instead of rushing ahead, focus on growing right where you are. Remember, the pasture is where David’s heart for God was cultivated.
3. Step Into Your Part in God’s Story
   1. David’s life shows us that God uses the unlikely and the overlooked to do amazing things. Your next step is to say “yes” to whatever God is calling you to, even if you don’t feel qualified. Don’t wait until you feel ready—God equips those He calls. Take that step of faith, whether it’s serving in a new way, starting something God’s put on your heart, or simply saying “I’m available, God—use me.” Trust that He has a plan for you that’s bigger than you can imagine, and your willingness to step into it is what will activate His purpose in your life.

So this week, prioritize obedience, embrace the process, and step into your God-given role with faith and confidence. God’s got something incredible in store, and He’s ready to use you!

Invitation:

If you want to make a decision to follow Jesus. Then join me and everyone else in the building as we pray out loud together. It’s not the prayer that saves you, but your faith, making Jesus Lord of your life. We don’t let anyone go on the journey alone. If you have faith in Jesus, then let’s join together as we pray…

Prayer of Salvation:

Jesus, I acknowledge that I need you

I confess that I have sinned against you

I believe that God raised you from the dead

And right now, by faith, I say “Jesus is Lord”

Thank you for forgiving me

By your grace I am saved

And by your power I am set free