Get On With Your Point

1 Samuel 16:1-13

God asks of Samuel, a prophet, to anoint a new king to take Saul's place because Saul has become corrupt. At the ceremony, Jesse comes forward with his sons to be considered. Samuel stands by as seven of Jesse's sons pass to show off their looks and talents. Once the show is over, God has made it clear that none of them are to be chosen. Since God has already said the new king would be anointed out of Jesse's sons, Samuel asks Jesse if there is one he didn't bring to the ceremony.

David was the youngest and tended the farm animals of the family. He was a shepherd. Bringing him in from the field took time. It meant traveling all the way back home, on foot, searching for him in the fields, cleaning him up at least halfway decent, and making the trip back. He was not in the same shape as a war soldier and probably would never model for Hollister or Abercrombie and Fitch.

When Jesse finally returns with David, God nudges Samuel and says, "He's the one."

I wonder how many times the thought passed through Samuel's head that he wished God would just get on with the point, especially right when he got the nudge that he was to anoint David. How often do we try to rush God's timing without considering what God wants us to learn from it, or what others around us are learning from watching us?