Articles, Bible Questions and Discipleship Guides

When we concluded last month, God’s prophet, Samuel, had arrived at David’s father’s house and informed Jesse that one of his sons was going to be the next king of Israel, succeeding King Saul. 

Samuel anointed David’s head with oil and proclaimed him God’s appointed king. From that moment, Scripture says that “the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward” (1 Samuel 16:13). 

Samuel immediately contrasts this blessing of God’s spirit upon David with the plight of the current king, Saul. The next verse reads: “Now the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him” (1 Samuel 16:14). 

Saul and his servants realize that the only relief Saul can find from this tormenting spirit is soothing music. So, a search across the land of Israel begins to find a man skilled in playing the lyre. And guess who is recommended! 

David is apparently not just a great shepherd; he’s also a master musician. David enters the service of Saul, plays for him in court to ease his torment, and eventually becomes Saul’s armor-bearer. 

As David’s life moves from the sheep fields to the throne room, he is already setting a remarkable example for us in this way: 

EVEN THOUGH DAVID HAD ALREADY BEEN PROMISED A HIGHER ROLE, HE FAITHFULLY SERVED IN A LESSER CAPACITY. 

Maybe you feel like your station in life is less than your gifting; you feel called to a higher position than you currently have. Take encouragement from David; be faithful where you are in life. 

Jesus reminded His disciples, “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). Be faithful where you are. Whether you are a king or an armor-bearer, a prince or a pauper, God wants to reward your faithful service to Him today!