CROWNED WITH HOPE—HIS SELECTION: David’s Promise and Election

And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.”  So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!”  Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:11-13)

King Saul was rejected.  Now a new king was to be selected.  The most promising candidates are passed over. 

Someone defined insanity, “As repeating the same behavior and expecting different results.”  Israel had chosen a king who looked regal in appearance—and imposing physical specimen who was devoid of spiritual maturity—and subsequently a man who sought to exercise his sovereignty over the Sovereign God!   Israel had been down that road before and found it a dead end.  God is not concerned with the external appearance, but the heart—and that is why David was chosen. 

God picked the runt of the litter.  No one would have thought him qualified—but that is grace—and what makes it so amazing!  Paul said it this way concerning our election to be saints:

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.  But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” (1 Cor.1:26-31)

When Samuel anointed him with oil, it was symbolic of another anointing—that of the Holy Spirit who came upon David to empower him.  It was foreordained that this young man would be king.  All those who are saved are chosen by God and will one day reign with Him.  We have a crown that awaits—but, like David, we have to wait to claim it.

Be patient—rejoice in the promises of God.  There is a crowning hope for us.