God Chooses His Leaders

Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.

I Samuel 16:2-3

The Lord told Samuel the prophet that He would show him who He had called to be the next king of Israel. We see that God calls and anoints individuals for leadership. The Lord told Samuel that He had rejected Saul as the king over Israel. (I Samuel 16:1) He then told Samuel to fill his horn with oil and to go to Jesse of Bethlehem because He had chosen one of Jesse’s sons to be king. Samuel asked the Lord how he would know which son the Lord had chosen. The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for Me the one I indicate.” (I Samuel 16:3)

Has the Lord ever told you to do something without giving you all of the details? Has he told you to “go,” maybe even told you where to go, but other than that you have no idea? I don’t know about you, but I would prefer instructions, a road map, and all details pertaining to my assignment!

But the Lord was giving Samuel the opportunity to exercise his faith and trust in his sovereign God. So it is with us when the Lord calls us and tells us to trust Him. God calls leaders who are men and women after His own heart, and who are willing to go wherever He sends them and trust Him with the details.

Heavenly Father,

Grant me the courage to follow You and trust that where You send me, You will equip me.

Anoint me with Your Holy Spirit to do what You have called me to do.

In Jesus’ name, Amen