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These are times when we just have to get over things, and get on with what is next.

The leader of the nation, King Saul of Israel, had proved inadequate, disobedient, and consequentially disastrous.

The man of God, Samuel, is told not to go on mourning for ever. We are moving on. Life has to go on!

God has one further significant task for Samuel. He was the last of the prophetic judges and there was no one else in the nation qualified to fulfil this vital role.

David was to be anointed to become future king of Israel.

The Spirit of God had left Saul. David must have been aware of that, because later he pleaded with God, writing, “Do not take your Holy Spirit from me”.

David knew what could happen to a man if that were ever to take place, as it did in the life of Saul.

It is life’s most indispensable possession.

Samuel went to Jesse’s farm at Bethlehem and cast his eye over his sons. None of the seven appeared suitable.

Ah, but there was one out in the fields. He was the runt of the family, and hardly worth bothering about.

In he comes, and God speaks to faithful Samuel. “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.”

David is anointed before he is appointed. That is an important biblical principle. The disciples of Jesus were called before they were commissioned.

If God intends to call you, you will never be neglected, overlooked or forgotten.

With his shepherd’s crook, his skill with a sling, and his amazing ability to play the guitar, he was on the road to high office.

That is not a lot for a man who would become king, but it was all God required – and of course, the anointing!

Sandy Shaw
Nairn Christian Fellowship

"Refreshment in Refuge" from Gina Burgess

Things that go bump in the night