1. “Samuel: Election & Autonomy” p. 264

Being Chosen Makes us feel special, needed, important, … You “Annointed” as PM of Iraq You as a “missionary” to Westside Vancouver David was chosen. Nothing like our Royal family. Many years of danger as refugee warlord!

1. Leadership / Lordship Israel in spiritual and political confusion Judges: 12 tribes subdue the promised land When faithful – they prospered and were victorious When Unfaithful – judged and punished. Never-ending cycle – complacency!

How would Israel be governed and led? 1. Leadership / Lordship . . . How would Israel be governed and led? God could be their king OR: a human king – like the nations (1 Sam 8:19-20) It was their choice (1 Sam 8:18) The people preferred a human king! They would not have to submit to God and obey Him. We ‘re also tempted to decide without spiritual counsel.

Saul: all the appearance of a king (1 Sam 9:2) 1. Leadership / Lordship . . . Saul: all the appearance of a king (1 Sam 9:2) BUT … He was very much a man of this world! Insecure & jealous Impatient & impulsive Wise in his own eyes – not obedient to God Greedy, self-focussed, spiritually bankrupt. Eventually, the Lord rejected him (1 Sam 15:26)

1. Leadership / Lordship . . . The people had chosen Leadership over Lordship. Warning: our society values image not character

2. God’s Choice / Man’s Choice God sends Samuel to Bethlehem (v 1) Samuel is mourning for Saul – hard, but he submitted Samuel fears for his life (v 2) . . . but obeys. Being faithful often requires bold steps in faith

2. God’s Choice / Man’s Choice . . . Samuel falls into the same trap – appearance (v 7) Same as Saul – he looked the part! The most unlikely boy has the heart God seeks.

2. God’s Choice / Man’s Choice . . . First – Samuel anoints him in front of his brothers (v 13a) Imagine how that went down! Not the easiest moment in David’s life! Secondly – The Spirit “rushed upon David” (13b)

2. God’s Choice / Man’s Choice . . . Secondly – The Spirit “rushed upon David” (13b) Usual, when God raises up leaders. E.g. Saul (1 Sam 10:6) No-one expected to serve God in their own strength! We do not dig deep for our own strength – – we submit ourselves and step out in His Power

2. God’s Choice / Man’s Choice . . . Something unique happened to David – In OT God empowered people for service, then left. Spirit came upon David “from that day forward” Like us – He was given the Holy Spirit permanently! He was God’s chosen king (v 1)

3. Election & Autonomy Is it outrageous God never asked David? God anointed him king – didn’t seek his consent He was not whisked off for a coronation He went back to tending sheep (1 Sam 16:19) David is left to deal with the consequences on his own! His life turned upside-down: he wasn’t even asked

We all pray “Lord make me like Jesus” 3. Election & Autonomy . . . Does God need to ask your permission before making decisions about your life? We all pray “Lord make me like Jesus” He only did what he sees his Father doing (John 5:19) David was a “man after God’s own heart” – am I?

Will I be transformed – . . . to do only what the Father is doing? 3. Election & Autonomy . . . Will I be transformed – . . . to do only what the Father is doing? Can he . . . Put me in a tough situation without consulting me? Put me in a ministry I’m not keen on for His purposes? Move me or make my life uncomfortable – for another? Call me to love/forgive someone hurtful or whom I don’t like? Jesus came to serve (Mark 10:45) . . . Will I do the same?

Living it Started: “God chose me!” discovered this is not always desirable. There is a choice: Leadership or Lordship A difference: God’s choice & Man’s choice Most Important: Election -vs- Autonomy Can God do whatever He wants in your life?