Ordinary people, extraordinary God – David the shepherd boy: faith and integrity

1 Samuel 16:1-13

David the shepherd boy and Christmas – The events of David’s annointing took place around Bethlehem. There are many links to the events of Christmas.

What do we know about David? – David was the youngest son. He was lower in status. He was the least of his family. He was dispised and looked down upon by his brothers. His father had overlooked him and almost forgotten about him. He was used as children labour to look after the sheep. His family appeared to not be concerned about his safety. David had every right to be bitter, angry and vengeful, but he turned rejection into praise and faith in God. God prepared David to be the shepherd king, the greatest king Israel had ever had. How do you respond to the hard knocks of life?

God does not look at the outward appearance (vs 7) – God looked at David’s heart. David was a teenager who loved God, who depended on God and had a deep relationship with God. He put his trust in God even when fighting a lion or a bear or Goliath. David had faith in God and integrity in his lifestyle. Do you have faith in God? Do you have integrity in your lifestyle?

Are you a veneer Christian or a solid Christian? Do you only look good on the outside or are you a good Christian in the secret place? God looks at our hearts and knows all about us. He sees through the outbound appearance. God invites us to come to Him just as we are. We can be real with Him. Don’t be like the leaders in John 12:42-43 seeking to please men rather than God. All the things we keep secret will be shouted from the rooftops (Luke 12:3). We are all rough around the edges and have imperfections, so why do we pretend otherwise.