TOMORROW’S MAN is none other than David. David was just a boy when Samuel anointed him as the next king of Israel. Take note of what the Bible says…
“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.” 1 Samuel 16: 13
Samuel at this moment could have told the teenager he would indeed reign on Israel’s throne, but after twenty or so years of running for his life in the wilderness. No, God doesn’t work that way. It appears that He gives a vision to someone, or gives a word to someone first… then takes them through what appears to be a bloody hell; or a boot camp, if you will. And there’s a good reason for this. That person needs to be trained and equipped to be able to handle the job or position God has ordained for them. We see it time and time again throughout the Bible. Usually God arranges circumstances that will totally humble and burn the self-centered pride out of the people He plans to greatly use. And only suffering can accomplish this.
A time soon comes when Jesse sends David to bring food to his three older brothers, who are serving in the Israelite army. Off David goes and walks straight into a battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. The Philistines stood on a mountain on one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side, with a valley between them. I think we’re all familiar with the story of David and Goliath, but let me draw your attention to the first thing David fearlessly said…
“For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 1 Samuel 17: 26
Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” 1 Samuel 17: 28
And David said, “What have I done now?” 1 Samuel 17: 29
The sarcastic way that Eliab spoke to David, “And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness?” gives me further reason to think that David was treated insignificantly by his family. Then David’s reply, “What have I done now?” tells me he was probably always getting yelled at or made fun of. David was the greatest king of Israel. God Himself describes David as a man after His own heart. I could write many things about David, but my focus is on his suffering – the many years he ran from Saul, in fear of losing his life.
Remember that David lived in the Old Testament, and the Holy Spirit was not yet given to all believers. The Bible tells us that from the moment Samuel anointed him, “The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.” When the anointing of God is upon someone, they become a huge threat to the kingdom of darkness. The time David spent running and hiding from Saul in the wilderness was a time of isolation. All of the crutches in David’s life were gone – his friends, his family, his home, and his possessions. As painful of a time this was for David, it was time used to develop a close walk with God. The Psalms give us a tender glimpse of that intimacy. It was a connection close enough for David to be called a man after God’s own heart. I want that. My most pressing desire is for God to call me a woman after His own heart.
Let me tell you why this is a story that brings me abundant comfort…
“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.” 1 Samuel 16: 13
If you’ve read Volume One of my memoir, then you remember I wrote about a friend-a spiritual mentor, who came alongside me and helped me learn the things of God. She spoke words over my life, words that I believe came from inspiration of the Holy Spirit. After reading this about David, I was reminded of a verse in scripture that she spoke over me…
“Arise; shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” Isaiah 60: 1
I cried tears of joy as I remembered that. God is so good to me.