Transformed – teen devotion – January 9, 2022
One truth shared: God identified that there was something special about David, some hidden potential. What was it? His anointing, like ours, purifies us and sets us on our course for greatness in God’s kingdom.
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
Uncovered Life Potential
What was it about David? What was it that was going on his heart that led God to choose him?
Maybe it was his bravery and courage. God knew about the bravery and courage that David would show in the face of Goliath. Maybe it was that.
Maybe it was his humility. God knew that David would humble himself beneath an evil king who constantly tried to kill him. Maybe it was humility.
But what if God saw the sin that David would eventually commit and the harm he would cause? God certainly saw the way that David was bent toward sexual sin. God certainly saw the way that David was prone to his own fits of anger. God knew David was proud in the depths of his heart.
God saw it all, both the good and the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. And this is the one whom he anointed to be the very next king.
Sometimes people say that God sees our potential more clearly than we do. Those people aren’t wrong. God has a plan for our lives, a plan to save us and a plan to use it.
But that’s not why God chooses us and anoints us. He chose and anointed Jesus for us because he is merciful and gracious. Then, he anoints us with water and the word in Baptism to cleanse our hearts and to make us his. Through Baptism he sets us on a course to carry out his plan in and through our lives.
Just as God chose David despite his sinful heart, so God has chosen and anointed you through Baptism. He has given you a clean heart and a powerful purpose.
Now, step into that purpose and serve him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to see the purpose for which you have anointed me. You didn’t look at what I was capable of, but instead cleansed me and gave me power from your Spirit. Use me this year for your glory and good. Amen.
