Chosen and Anointed

It is obvious at every turn, people do not all see things the same way. We all look at the world through our windshields. Since this is true, of course, it is also true that we are not always seeing things the way God sees them. God’s view of life in the world is not truly available to us. You and I are finite creatures not possessing great knowledge of our infinite God.

One of the classic stories of the Old Testament about God seeing things differently than we do is the tale of choosing David to be king, replacing Saul. Samuel goes to Bethlehem to speak with Jesse about his sons, and whereas Samuel might have picked out the eldest, Eliab, because of his strapping physic and great height, God warns him not to look at his appearance and lofty stature, those are the characteristics that had recommended Saul in Samuel’s first anointing, and that didn’t work out so well. The figure God has in mind might have been overlooked. Nevertheless, God points out to Samuel the surprising divine selection. Here is a portion of the text from the Bible that is part of our First Lesson on Sunday:

Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. (1 Samuel 16:10-13)

The following poem has no sophistication of style, nor even accuracy to the pure text, but it points to a rather serious notion of God’s call. God can break through so that in the messiness of human judgment and agenda, God can bring about the needed leadership to accomplish his. These lines are just to have a little fun with a critical opening in salvation history: Imagine the Holy One coaching the prophet Samuel about whom to select for the future King:

Among his eight sons: Jesse’s Bethlehem brood,
you’ll find a young handsome and ruddy dude
with striking eyes and the wherewithal
to take the place of wayward Saul.
Strength to protect, and to soothe, he can sing,
pluck the ten-string-lyre, and hurl stones with the sling.
This scrappy shepherd will secure the flock,
looking to me as his fortress and rock.
Possessing the stuff to face foes he must grapple,
I choose this one. Of my eye he’s the apple..
He is surely not perfect, he has flaws left and right;
but his heart is outstanding; not just his might.
Grab the oil, Samuel; dowse him good, let it flow
By this youngest of eight will my realm thrive and grow
(D. Price, June 2021)

All of us are anointed for our little part of God’s big work in the world. Indeed, people will not be talking of our contribution three millennia from now the way the shepherd/king David is still celebrated three thousand years after his hit-and-miss adventures. You and I may never have guessed that David was the one God would choose, had we been there. You might wonder what God was thinking in choosing you. But if you believe in God, you are surely called. Being called is not just about rewards, it is for a mission. You have a place with God and a job from God. The waters poured, the oil of chrism marked you with the cross. Strum boldly, sing loudly, and the Lord bless you and keep you on your adventures in God’s work of love.