Eight Is Enough – January 14, 2022

Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 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.” 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 LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 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 LORD came powerfully upon David.
1 Samuel 16:10-13

Eight Is Enough

Strike one. Strike two. Strike three. That usually means, “You’re out!” But our God has a different way of counting. When the prophet Samuel went to anoint one of Jesse’s sons to be the next king, Samuel got all the way up to strike seven. And yet, he still wasn’t out. When son number eight walked in, the Lord commanded, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”

Number eight was “the one.” Why was David able to be one of the most successful kings in the history of God’s people? Why would David be called “a man after God’s own heart?” Not because of his handsome features. Rather, from the day that Samuel anointed him, “the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully over David.”

Sometimes we forget that about ourselves, don’t we? We so easily can rely on our talents, our health, or our handsome features to navigate life. But talents, health and handsome features will all fail eventually. God’s Holy Spirit won’t. God’s Holy Spirit, who comes to us through the words of the Bible, connects us to our heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus. That connection assures us of God’s forgiveness and eternal life. Unlike talents, health, and handsome features, God’s Holy Spirit will never fail us.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for pouring out your Spirit on me. Lead me to rely on him as I live for you. Amen.