When we look at David, we remember that he was a man after God’s own heart. We remember that he sang beautifully and that he killed Goliath. We remember that he sinned with Bathsheeba and that he was pentinent and restored.
But do we remember his origins?
David was the youngest. Not an esteemed position at all. In fact, when he was hiding from Saul, he used as an excuse to miss the feast (where Saul planned to kill him),
“…our family is observing a sacrifice in the town and my brother has ordered me to be there…” (1 Samuel 20:29)
So, David was low and nothing. In fact, his job was to watch the sheep and he was such a nonentity that when Samuel came to Jesse’s house, David was not even called to be considered.
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered,”but he is tending the sheep.” 1 Samuel 16:11
Interestingly, when the Israelites went to fight the Philistines, David was still tending sheep. Perhaps his own family discounted the anointing of Samuel? Perhaps they thought Samuel was “losing it” and were just patronizing him. Anyway, the only way David could “get in on the action” and be able to get on the front lines was to serve as the delivery boy — he took bread and gave cheese to his brother’s commander. (1 Samuel 17:17-18)
So, David wouldn’t have even gotten to be at the front if he wasn’t willing to deliver cheese. Not exactly an esteemed position, huh?
When we’re at the right place at the right time, God uses us. But sometimes in order to get to the right place we must be willing to do unpleasant jobs. We must be willing to subject ourselves to our authority.
We must be willing to deliver cheese!
This reminds me of another person who changed the world:
“and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for him in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
Are you willing to be nothing so God can do something with you?
I wonder if you might be interested in my Bible Reading Notes, covering the whole of Scripture http://www.christinallthescriptures.blogspot.com http://www.theologyofgcberkouwer.blogspot.com http://chascameron.spaces.live.com
Best Wishes.
And it is intersting that the Bread of Life came from the City of Bread “Bet-Lehem” AND that Micah called it as so little among the towns of Judah… Hicksville, and that is where the Holy God chose to come be born among men for their salvation.
Say, what an excellent blog. I’m gathering ideas for a similiar education blog and it is great to see a Christian doing professional work that gets noticed by her peers.
I found this spot via. the GLEF-TIE newsletter article.
Shalom
Vicki I am a fan of your classroom blog, but I am an even bigger fan of this blog. I happened upon and am thankful that I did.
Thank you for sharing your faith.
Danita
http://danitarussell.edublogs.org
Abraham used to speak of himself as dust and ash, we can ask ourself “if abraham was dust and ash, what are we then?”.
Considering that Abraham would be one of those i would look up to, i must be even less then dust and ash.
God bless..