An Odd Selection

1Samuel 16:13
13So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on, the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power.

The Lord sent the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint a new king because of King Saul's disobedience. The Lord told Samuel to fill his horn with oil to anoint the new king. The Lord instructed Samuel to visit Jesse who had many sons. Samuel was to look at each son but appoint only the one the Lord had instructed him to. Jesse didn't even present all of his sons. David was considered least because he was the smallest yet God had selected David for service. It seemed odd to the family that David would be selected. God's criteria is never the same as man's. David was the only one of his brothers who was out tending to the sheep. He kept watch and protected them. David was already in preparation for his appointed role yet didn't know. How many of us have had experiences in other environments yet didn't know God would use that experience to further His cause? There's a purpose in everything even if we don't perceive it. A shepherd must be patient with his sheep and has to protect them when they cannot see danger. Much like a leader would do. David was anointed in the presence of his brothers. They were to witness God's selection. And most importantly, the Spirit of the Lord came upon David when needed in order for David to carry out the work of the Lord. The Lord always has a witness to what He does. It's the eye witness testimony that confirms what God has done. How many of us have been a witness at the scene of something? Have you ever been called on to give the eye witness account? It's the testimony that provides confirmation of what took place whether good or bad. During the times of the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit could not rest on man for long because of the stench of sin but when it did come down, it made impact. It was for this reason that David was able to not just play the harp but to soothe the evil spirit that inhabited King Saul. It is by the Holy Spirit that we have strength and power to do anything. The events in Jesse's house that day were a turning point not just for David but for the entire family of what was to come to pass in David's future.