MEMORY SCRIPTURE
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 16:13)
David’s faith, trials and devotion shaped him into a shepherd king whose lasting legacy endures through his heartfelt melodies and pursuit of God’s desire.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 5: David In His Old Age (1 Kgs. 1:1-4)
Tue. 6: David Unable To Positively Influence Adonijah (1 Kgs. 1:5-1 1)
Wed. 7: David Prefers Solomon To Spoilt Adonijah (1 Kgs. 1:28-39)
Thur. 8 : David Positively Influences Solomon (1 Kgs. 2:1-4)
Fri. 9: David Tasks Solomon With Unfinished Work (1 Kgs. 2:5-6)
Sat. 10: David Counsels Solomon To Show Kindness (1 Kgs. 2:7-9)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Influence shapes destiny. Like David, we are moulded by the influences we embrace.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: 1 Samuel 16:1-18; 17:17-18; 18:1-4;20:1ff
The previous lesson, “Samuel And His Preparation for Leadership of God’s People”, underscored the pivotal roles of Samuel’s parents and Eli in shaping him. It exposed the notion that a child’s development is not solitary but rather a collaborative effort involving divine orchestration and human influences. Samuel’s eventual rise as a revered prophet in Israel stemmed from his willingness to align with God- ordained channels for growth.
Today’s lesson marks the seventeenth lesson in our leadership preparation series, focusing on the formative influences that shaped David. Similar to Samuel, David’s journey to greatness necessitated the guidance of various influencers. This lesson delves into both David’s intrinsic qualities and the impact of key leaders in his life. Let us journey together in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
LESSON OUTLINE
- ALIGNED WITH GOD’S NOD
- MENTORED BY LEADERS’ PROD
LESSON EXPOSITION
ALIGNED WITH GOD’S NOD (16:1-18)
Now the Lord said to Samuel, Fill your horn with oil, and go; am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons.”
(v.1).
a) v.1: For I have provided Myself a king among His sons God doesn’t use a vessel He hasn’t prepared. That God said, …I have provided for Myself AMP (spotted the very king I want TBCL) carries the idea of having prepared David for leadership.
b) …chosen NIV; …got a king for myself BBE. God discovers and choose those He has eternally ordained and prepared for specific tasks. Be one of the prepared vessels for God send-time work.
c) Obviously, God prepared David for the leadership of His people through various agencies, including himself. External preparation without inner conviction is nothing.
d) vv. 11-13: David’s commitment to self-preparation paid off for Him. Obviously, David had subjected himself to God’s organised training to make him ready. God isn’t partial.
e) v. 18: All these skills couldn’t have been garnered by a lazy person (Prov. 22:29). Imagine an under-17 boy having these demanding skills. Are you cooperating with God to prepare you for where He is taking you to?
MENTORED BY GODLY LEADERS’ PROD (16:11,13; 17:17-18 18:1-4;20:1ff).
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.
(16:13)
a) 16:11: One wonders why Jesse permitted young David to tend sheep, a responsibility he likely had before.
b) David, the youngest son of Jesse, likely tended the family’s flock following the normal practice for younger sons in ancient Israel. This equipped him with vital skills in responsibility, leadership and care essential for his future role as Israel’s king.
c) Shepherding alone fostered qualities like patience, diligence an faithfulness in him, and provided him with opportunities for spiritual growth and communion with God, which sustained him throughout his life (cf.Psa. 23).
d) Thank God Jesse allowed David to tend the sheep in the field as part of God’s providential plan to shape him into a man after God’s own heart and to prepare him for leadership.
e) V. 13: God’s direction through Samuel had profound impact on David marking the beginning of a transformative journey that he would never forget.
f) 17:17-18: David’s father never over-pampered him but exposed him to real life situations, making him ready for future challenges.
g) 18:1-4; 20:1ff: The sacrificial love for, and commitment of Jonathan to David had great impact on the teachable David.
LESSONS DERIVED
- You must be ready to cooperate with the Living God to make out what he wants in you.
- Are you learning from people and situations around you? Time will tell.
QUESTIONS
- Narrate the personal infl uences that enabled David to overcome life’s challenges. What are the implications for us today?
- How did Jonathan influence David towards leadership preparation?
