Tuesday of the 2nd week in ordinary time
1 Sam. 16: 1-13 Mark 2: 23-28
Theme: The ways of God
In the 1st reading of today from the first Book of Samuel, we see how God chose David as a king to replace Saul whom he has rejected because of his disobedience. In the selection of a king among the sons of Jesse, one thing that comes out very clearly is the fact that the way of God is different from our human ways. Left for Samuel alone, he would have chosen from the seven sons presented to him by Jesse, but the Lord rejected all of them and chose David instead. Samuel was making his selection from their outward appearance, just like most of us would have done ordinarily. But God is not deceived by our outward appearances, what matters most to him is our heart.
This is where we get it wrong sometimes as humans because the outward appearance can be deceptive sometimes and can easily lead us to mistakes. When we allow what we see to guide us, we may end up making mistakes, because it may not be the right thing or choice to take in such a situation. The selection of David today, should teach us that whatever God has decreed in our lives, must surely come to pass. Remember, David was not present with his brothers when Samuel came, but Samuel insisted that he would not sit down until David came, so they all had to wait until David came and was anointed as the one chosen by God.
This goes to show us that the way of God is different from our human ways. Interestingly, among the sons of Jesse, God decided to choose the last one among them and rejected all others. Ordinarily, some of us would have argued that David is a small boy and would not be able to rule the people as a king, but God saw things differently and rather decided to chose him. We must learn to go beyond physical appearance when we make decisions, lest we allow outward appearance to deceive us.
It is obvious that whatever God has decreed in our lives must surely come to pass, nobody can stop it prematurely. This is very clear from the selection of David today, from the children of Jesse, even though he was not present with them. The most important thing is for us to be certain that it is the will of God, and he will manifest it at the appropriate time. May God continue to strengthen our faith in him in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.