1 Samuel 16:1-13

This text is used for the Lectionary Year A on March 26, 2017.

I live in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States along the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. The wildlife is both beautiful and responsibly protected. Short walks around the neighborhood led to the rivers that feed the Bay. Osprey build nests on top of nearby light poles. Slow moving boaters often spot bald eagles. Blue Heron linger along the shore. When in flight, these birds are beautiful to watch. Soaring high into the sky and swooping down to capture prey. Their eyes are affixed to the water.

Growing up I used to visit my grandparents often. Upon arrival, my grandfather would quickly hand me a list of tasks he needed me to accomplish. One of them was helping him spot the various pests that lingered outside his southeast Texas home. My goals: find any trace of ants, termites, roaches, and/or spiders that sought sanctuary inside his home. I was always a willing participant because my tasks were met with generous compensation. We would walk around together, I would spot, and he would spray. Every time I found something he would say, “Good job Eagle Eye!” As a young boy, I was not sure what being an “eagle eye” meant, but I adored his affection. I have come to understand that he needed a better set of eyes around his house. I offered those eyes. Circling the house and affix to the goal of attacking the pests.

Samuel needed eyes to see in an unlikely place. Yahweh was asking him to find the new king. This would require proper discernment as Yahweh attempts to reveal who the new king will be.

Saul was chosen as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1). The only qualifications Saul had to be crowned the first king was height and beauty (1 Samuel 9:2, 10:23-24, 16:7). Later the Lord regretted that he made Saul king (1 Samuel 15:11). Therefore, Samuel is seeking something deeper than outward appearance. Yahweh wants to look to the prospective king’s heart (16:7b).

This new strategy from Yahweh will require Samuel to see with more than his eyes. He will have to trust his discernment as he hears the voice of Yahweh and analyzes the prospective king’s actions. This may sound simple enough, but the outward appearance can be an enticing and oversimplified way of managing. Relying purely on the outward appearance leaves little room for Yahweh to prove his ability to work through broken humanity.

Being able to see is more than the ability have eyesight. Jesse has all of his sons excepts one pass by Samuel. Through a discerning heart Samuel knew none of them were to be the next king. The youngest, David was tending the sheep and had not yet passed by Samuel. When he entered Samuel heard Yahweh’s affirmation. David was to be the next king.

How many times have we overlooked an opportunity that God was revealing because we were too quick to make a decision? How many times have we told God “no” because a task would be difficult to accomplish? Samuel heard Yahweh and responded. He needed the right eyes to see.

 

 

 

Scott Shelton
Senior Pastor – Heritage Baptist Church
Annapolis, Maryland
Scott@heritagebaptistannapolis.org

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: vision, king, samuel, david, heart