BIBLE READING

1 Samuel 16: 12-14

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. Samuel then went to Ramah.

Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul....

REFLECTION

Samuel takes oil and pours it all over David, anointing him as King. The oil was just an outward symbol of something much more important. It symbolised the Holy Spirit being poured out upon David - just as bread and wine in communion symbolise the body and blood of Jesus. They are outward symbols, but it’s what happens inside us which is much more important.

And we read this: “from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David with power.”

So with this outpouring of oil, here what we see at this point:

DAVID WAS ANOINTED BUT NOT APPOINTED

SAUL WAS APPOINTED BUT NOT ANOINTED

Look at verses 13-14:

“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 upon David in power....Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul....”

David has been anointed King of Israel. But there’s only one small problem. Israel already has a king and his name is Saul. In fact Saul continued to be king for another 15 years or so.

So David is anointed as King but has to wait almost 15 years to actually become king. David is anointed but not appointed.

Saul has the title of King – but no anointing. David has the anointing – but no title.

Which is more important?

It is to have the anointing – to have God’s power, God’s favour, God’s blessing on your life is so much more important than having title, status or human authority.

To have title or authority or position over God’s people without God’s power on your life would be an absolute nightmare.

To have any position or job or title without God’s power, favour and blessing is just really really hard work.

When God’s blessing and favour is on you – there’s a certain flow that comes, things fall into place, there’s a natural ease, it doesn’t mean there won’t be problems and difficulties, but God’s power keeps you going and keeps you moving in the right direction.

Without God’s blessing it’s just hard work all the time. It’s exhausting and draining because you are trying to force what God hasn’t endorsed.

And we see that over the rest of Saul’s reign as King – he’s continually struggling and striving and manipulating as he tries to cling to power.

Whatever you do in life – before you seek power, status, title, position or ambition – seek above all God’s blessing and anointing on your life.

Remember that it's “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty." (Zech 4: 6)