Study is based on Charles R. Swindoll’s “David – A Man After God’s Own Heart”

1 Samuel 13: Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. 11 “What have you done?” asked Samuel. Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, 12 I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the L ORD ’s favor.’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” 13 “You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the L ORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. 14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the L ORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the L ORD ’s command.”

1 Samuel 16: 1-3; The L ORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” 2 But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” The L ORD said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the L ORD.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.” 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the L ORD ’s anointed stands here before the L ORD.” 7 But the L ORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The L ORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the L ORD looks at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The L ORD has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the L ORD chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The L ORD has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the L ORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the L ORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.

A boy when God endowed him Son of a rich farmer named Jesse Youngest of 8 sons Fought and defeated Goliath at age 16 Enjoyed a summer of unmitigated success after Goliath By fall, King Saul grew jealous of David, and dedicated the rest of his life to trying to kill him David spent this time — probably 15 years or so — living as a fugitive, hunted by King Saul After King Saul died, David became king of his own tribe of Judah, while Saul's son Ishbosheth ruled the rest of the nation David was invited to be king of all Israel upon Ishbosheth’s death King David's most notable contributions were religious He coordinated worship, installing priests and musicians who worked in shifts 24/7 He wrote many psalms to the LORD He arranged those written by others into Psalters Forbidden by God from building a temple because of the blood on his hands He amassed building materials, so his son Solomon could build the temple as instructed by the LORD DAVID Bio taken from VTAide.com

David – A Man to the Core A man of glorious triumph A man of great tragedy Uniquely gifted Human to the core Strong in battle Weak at home Unpolished-marble personality Of blood, bone and breath Struggled in spirit and soul God’s method of choosing servants, runs contrary to human reason. Not impressed by brawn or brains, but by a heart completely His, David’s anointing makes perfect sense

Jews’ Historical Backdrop Man’s way and God’s way of selecting leaders are sharp in contrast. The people’s choice = podium for self centered demands Israel’s choice became her curse at a time when they were on a long drift from their God Wanting to be like “everybody else”, they demanded a king God granted them their wish, but at the high cost of their freedom They chose Saul as their king because of his appearance, not knowing of his selfishness, egotism, paranoia, depression, and violence.

The Lord’s Choice God’s choice was based on three essential qualifications: I. Spirituality: God looks for those with hearts like his own II. Humility: God seeks those with committed hearts, because they are teachable, humble, dependent, and reliant on Him III. Integrity: David’s heart was wholesome and pure, sincere Being a person after God’s own heart means living in harmony with Him

The Lord’s Training Camp A. Solitude - nurtures you without distractions B. Obscurity – unseen, unknown, unappreciated, and unapplauded C. Monotony – daily insignificant and routine D. Reality – exposed to the dangers and threats of reality and put steel in his bones 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The L ORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:36-37

Two Important Truths 1. It’s in the little things that we prove ourselves capable of the big things Before entrusting David with the lives of the nation of Israel, God gave him a flock of sheep 2. When God develops inner qualities, He’s never in a hurry Salvation is instant, but character takes time. God gives us time to grow as part of His plan of grace

Conclusion: No matter how out of place you may feel as God’s servant; like David, you are God’s choice! Remember, in our father’s house, the least is most, the last is first…..