by K.Orr02 » Tue Apr 14, 2026 7:28 pm
David exemplifies the call to shepherd people as a shepherd and as a King. There is a tension between the godly responsibilities and call alongside our fallen human nature. God leads His people on a journey through the Pentateuch, Judges (Gideon), and 1 Samuel until we meet this young shepherd. A boy who is thought of as the youngest of a large family. As a mother of a large family, there is great anticipation and expectation for the oldest son, and now even the oldest daughters; the younger the children, the fewer the requirements and thoughts about their significance.
God chose Saul because the people begged for a king, and God blessed his early reign. God sees the hearts of His shepherds, and He will remove them when they do not regard His Word and authority. But even when that occurs, time passes. Things are not automatic. I won't lie. I often want this to be an automatic turnover in power. I want the evil to be removed and those with a heart for God placed in leadership. I desire this so much, it hurts my heart. For my eyes have been opened to the reality that even when God's people recognize their faults, there is no such thing as a quick fix. Instead, people hurt, people wander, people stray, people cause destruction.
David reminds us, as pastors/shepherds, that none of us will perfectly fulfill our call. We will follow behind imperfect people who were called. We will have others who will try to, or succeed in, overthrowing our leadership and calling. And boy, do we pray that it is not our own children, but the enemy will use whatever means necessary. The truth is, God will bless David, but on God's terms. (p. 102). Samuel articulated a vision with a king, and David lived in that. However, he also had limits placed on him, such as His refusal to allow David to build the temple. And while it seems logical, once Nathan sleeps on it, God makes it clear this is not David's call. Sleep is good for clarity. Sleep is needed to truly gain perspective and to know whether God is leading or we are following our own desires. And if we are truly seeking God's heart, it may be His desire, but not our call. God sees our calling and has an eternal perspective larger than our own. May we shepherd trusting YWHW's eternal perspective.
David exemplifies the call to shepherd people as a shepherd and as a King. There is a tension between the godly responsibilities and call alongside our fallen human nature. God leads His people on a journey through the Pentateuch, Judges (Gideon), and 1 Samuel until we meet this young shepherd. A boy who is thought of as the youngest of a large family. As a mother of a large family, there is great anticipation and expectation for the oldest son, and now even the oldest daughters; the younger the children, the fewer the requirements and thoughts about their significance.
God chose Saul because the people begged for a king, and God blessed his early reign. God sees the hearts of His shepherds, and He will remove them when they do not regard His Word and authority. But even when that occurs, time passes. Things are not automatic. I won't lie. I often want this to be an automatic turnover in power. I want the evil to be removed and those with a heart for God placed in leadership. I desire this so much, it hurts my heart. For my eyes have been opened to the reality that even when God's people recognize their faults, there is no such thing as a quick fix. Instead, people hurt, people wander, people stray, people cause destruction.
David reminds us, as pastors/shepherds, that none of us will perfectly fulfill our call. We will follow behind imperfect people who were called. We will have others who will try to, or succeed in, overthrowing our leadership and calling. And boy, do we pray that it is not our own children, but the enemy will use whatever means necessary. The truth is, God will bless David, but on God's terms. (p. 102). Samuel articulated a vision with a king, and David lived in that. However, he also had limits placed on him, such as His refusal to allow David to build the temple. And while it seems logical, once Nathan sleeps on it, God makes it clear this is not David's call. Sleep is good for clarity. Sleep is needed to truly gain perspective and to know whether God is leading or we are following our own desires. And if we are truly seeking God's heart, it may be His desire, but not our call. God sees our calling and has an eternal perspective larger than our own. May we shepherd trusting YWHW's eternal perspective.