The Glenwood post., 1923-05-10
LESSON FOR MAY 1a
DAVID, THE PoEr.kINa

LESSON TEXT Sam. 1918
GOLDEN TExT-Surely. goodness and
mercy shall follow me all the days of my
ufe.-Ps. 23:6.
REFERENCE MATERIA-Ps. 81; 1sa.
VI; Jer. 33:15-26; Luke 1882; Acts 22:2S-34
PRIMARY TOPIC-The Shepherd Boy
Chosen King.
JUNIOR ToP1c-aod Calls a Boy to Be
King
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
David, as Friend.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
Lessons From the Life Of David.
!. Samuel Mourns for Saul ". ~.
1. Why He Mourned. The death Of
Saul was no doubt personal loss to
Samuel, for Saul was a commanding
and lovable personality. Then, too.
the ruin of SO promising career
would deeply affect soul like Sam
uel. Finally the humiliation to God
and Gods people grieved his heart.
2. Excessive Mourning Rebuked.
The fact that God had rejected Saul
should have lifted Samuel out of his
grief. Excessive grief over that which
God does is a reflection upon Him and
should be rebuked. In all Gods acts
we should submit although 1t may
change our plans When sorrow be-
comes hindrance to the discharge
Of duty. 1t merits rebuke.
u. Samuel Sent to AnoInt David
(vv. 1-3).
/. Samue's Fear ". p. Perhaps
by this time Saul was becoming a
desperate character. Samuel knew
thot Co,,I oh baor <ho< r,o ,,o.
taking steps to anoint successor to
his throne, his own life would be in
danger. Samuel was wise in submit
ting this difficult situation to the Lord.
Gods servants are to be brave. But
even when going on errands for God
we should not court danger. We
should exercise the greatest caution
so that unnecessary dangers be
avoided.
2. The Lords Direction (vv. 2, 81.
The Lord smoothed the way for Sam.
uel He showed him how to perform
his duty and escape the danger. Sam
uel was to take heifer and announce
that he was going to offer sacrifice
unto the Lord and to call Jesse to the
sacrifice. The prophet was not told
all that would l.appen. This is usual
ly Gods way with us. He gives us
our work piece by piece and guides
US step by step. Samuel's purpose
was known only to him. It was to be
kept secret so that the news would
not reach Saul. This was shrewd
device but entirely legitimate. There
Is not necessity for US to reveal all
our purposes.
III. samuei's Obedience wv. 4-19).
1. The Trembling Elders Of Bethle-
hem wv. 4, 81. It seems that the
whole nation was shot through with
fear because of Saul's sin. To the
elders alarming inquiry Samuel re-
sponded with the assurance Of peace,
inviting them to Join him in worship
ing the Lord.
2. Examination of Jesse's Sons wv.
G-12). The Lord had revealed to Sam.
mel that one of Jesse's sons was to
be the new king. but not the particu-
lar one. The selection of the right
one was most important matter as
destinies hung upon 1t. (1) Eliab
rejected wv, 8, y. Eliab was the
eldest son and therefore he was the
first presented as having first right to
the place Of honor. Further, he was
a splendid specimen Of man, tall and
majestic in appearance so that even
Samuel was captivated by him as he
had been by Saul. 40 :24). Outward
appearance was favorable but the
realities seen by God were against
him. God knows whom He can trust
oih VII
.quently estimate men by their dress,
culture wealth and position. These
are only surface Manifestations and
frequently lead us astray, but God
looks into the heart. (2) David
chosen wv. s-12). All but one Of
Jesse's sons had been looked upon
hut still the Lords choice had not ap-
peared. Jesse's reply to Samuel's
question as to whether all his children
had appeared seems to imply that
David was not Of much importance
He was considered good enough to
watch the sheep but not important
enough to be called to the feast. Be-
cause David was faithful as shep-
herd boy, he was in line for promo
tion when Gods given time arrived.
8. David Anolnted ". 13). When
the shepherd lad appeared, the Lord
directed Samuel to anoint him. When
the oil was applied the Spirit of the
Lord came upon him. David was a
gifted and attractive lad but this
was of no avail without the Spirit
of God. Power must come from God.
Only as we are anointed by the Holy
Ghost can we truly do the Lords will
and work.