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1. “Samuel: Election & Autonomy”. 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 p. 264. Being Chosen. Makes us feel special, needed, important, … You “ Annointed ” as PM of Iraq You as a “missionary” to Westside Vancouver David was chosen. Nothing like our Royal family. Many years of danger as refugee warlord!.
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1. “Samuel: Election & Autonomy” 1 Samuel 16: 1-13 p. 264
Being Chosen • Makes us feel special, needed, important, … • You “Annointed” as PM of Iraq • You as a “missionary” to Westside Vancouver • David was chosen. • Nothing like our Royal family. • Many years of danger as refugee warlord!
1. Leadership / Lordship • Israel in spiritual and political confusion • Judges: 12 tribes subdue the promised land • When faithful – they prospered and were victorious • When Unfaithful – judged and punished. • Never-ending cycle – complacency!
1. Leadership / Lordship . . . • How would Israel be governed and led? • God could be their king • OR: a human king – like the nations (1 Sam 8:19-20) • It was their choice (1 Sam 8:18) • The people preferred a human king! • They would not have to submit to God and obey Him. • We ‘re also tempted to decide without spiritual counsel.
1. Leadership / Lordship . . . • Saul: all the appearance of a king (1 Sam 9:2) • BUT … He was very much a man of this world! • Insecure & jealous • Impatient & impulsive • Wise in his own eyes – not obedient to God • Greedy, self-focussed, spiritually bankrupt. • Eventually, the Lord rejected him (1 Sam 15:26)
1. Leadership / Lordship . . . • The people had chosen Leadership over Lordship. • Warning: our society values image not character
2. God’s Choice / Man’s Choice • God sends Samuel to Bethlehem (v 1) • Samuel is mourning for Saul – hard, but he submitted • Samuel fears for his life (v 2) . . . but obeys. • Being faithful often requires bold steps in faith
2. God’s Choice / Man’s Choice . . . • Samuel falls into the same trap – appearance (v 7) • Same as Saul – he looked the part! • The most unlikely boy has the heart God seeks.
2. God’s Choice / Man’s Choice . . . • First – • Samuel anoints him in front of his brothers (v 13a) • Imagine how that went down! • Not the easiest moment in David’s life! • Secondly – • The Spirit “rushed upon David” (13b)
2. God’s Choice / Man’s Choice . . . • Secondly – • The Spirit “rushed upon David” (13b) • Usual, when God raises up leaders. • E.g. Saul (1 Sam 10:6) • No-one expected to serve God in their own strength! • We do not dig deep for our own strength – – we submit ourselves and step out in His Power
2. God’s Choice / Man’s Choice . . . • Something unique happened to David – • In OT God empowered people for service, then left. • Spirit came upon David “from that day forward” • Like us – He was given the Holy Spirit permanently! • He was God’s chosen king (v 1)
3. Election & Autonomy • Is it outrageous God never asked David? • God anointed him king – didn’t seek his consent • He was not whisked off for a coronation • He went back to tending sheep (1 Sam 16:19) • David is left to deal with the consequences on his own! • His life turned upside-down: he wasn’t even asked
3. Election & Autonomy . . . • Does God need to ask your permission before making decisions about your life? • We all pray “Lord make me like Jesus” • He only did what he sees his Father doing (John 5:19) • David was a “man after God’s own heart” – am I?
3. Election & Autonomy . . . • Will I be transformed – . . . to do only what the Father is doing? • Can he . . . • Put me in a tough situation without consulting me? • Put me in a ministry I’m not keen on for His purposes? • Move me or make my life uncomfortable – for another? • Call me to love/forgive someone hurtful or whom I don’t like? • Jesus came to serve (Mark 10:45) . . . Will I do the same?
Living it • Started: “God chose me!” discovered this is not always desirable. • There is a choice: Leadership or Lordship • A difference: God’s choice & Man’s choice • Most Important: Election -vs- Autonomy Can God do whatever He wants in your life?