Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Samuel – Anointing God’s Choice!

1Samuel 16v7 “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

God had rejected Saul as king, even though Saul would continue to reign for a few more years. But God was already working on his grand plan, and so he sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint the next king. Samuel met each of Jesse’s sons, but even though they seemed impressive, God had not chosen any of them. This is when we hear the famous words: “God looks at the heart.”

The youngest son, David, wasn’t even invited to the parade. Aged 15, he was despised by his brothers and was out caring for the sheep. But God told Samuel to anoint David,  and when Samuel did this, “the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power from that day on.”

This moment in history is very important. David—this humble, overlooked shepherd—was the ancestor of Jesus. From this point forward, the Scriptures repeatedly point ahead to the coming Messiah (or “Christ”), both words meaning “Anointed One.” As we approach Advent, we could look back to God’s promises to Adam or Abraham, but here we begin around 1020BC with David: chosen and anointed by God.

It would take another 15 years before David would actually become king. During those years, he lived completely by faith—trusting God for protection, provision, and the fulfilment of His promise. He spent years running for his life, yet he kept choosing to live God’s way. Jesus also lived as God’s anointed, walking fully in God’s way long before he was revealed as King.

Right now, you and I have also been anointed by God. He has chosen us as His children and appointed us as His ambassadors. He has given us His Holy Spirit and His power. When David was anointed, the Spirit came on him in power—not just for a moment, but continually. After Jesus was baptized and the Spirit descended on him, Scripture says, “Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.”

If you have received the Holy Spirit, then it is time to live in His power. Paul reminded Timothy of this when he wrote: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.”

May God strengthen you to live each day in the power of His Spirit—whatever you may be facing.

With love and blessing,

Roland