17/10/2018 - CHOSEN TO SHEPHERD

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From following the ewes that had young He brought him, To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance. Psalm 78: 71 

The election of David was made by the Lord, who led him to be shepherd of Israel. His trajectory began early when he was a boy. Jesse loved his children, but because he loved God and believed that he was taking care for his family, he thought he should send the youngest son to take care of his sheep. Out in the pastures, David had time to seek the face of the Most High and learn to do His will. So, in a family full of children, he was chosen to take care of the true flock.

In saying that he chose David, the Spirit of God declares that we were also chosen by the Lord to fulfill His purposes. For this, we must offer ourselves and allow ourselves to be taught by He who love us and want our best. Undoubtedly, God’s planned mission is the best we can carry out on Earth during our lifetime, because He has prepared us for it. There is no way God was wrong.

The detail in David’s election is seen when the Scriptures call him servant of God. This is one of the requirements of the Most High when He puts us in some position in His Kingdom. Man selects someone according to human principles – appearance, friendship, and other attributes that have nothing to do with divine conditions. God sees the heart, the moral integrity, and the pleasure in obeying Him. The choices are according to what He has given to the person He has chosen.

David was taken from the sheepfolds, where he proved that he could be the chosen one, because he would do the work as it should be done. In the same way, God sends us to various works, in order to prove if we will fulfill them and in which way. Some people were taken from highly profitable occupations and others from dangerous or filthy places, unaware that they were being observed. Just like the Lord paid attention to Job, He also looks at us.

What David did when he was chosen shows that he went through many sheepfolds and was gradually promoted until he came to look after the sheep that were gestating. Indeed, his affection for them – which, in those circumstances, needed a good guide – made him qualified to become the shepherd of Israel. Just like this servant of the Lord, be a good doer of the task you were given. Surely the Most High, who sees your life, will promote you.

David’s shepherding over the people of God was twofold. He shepherded Jacob, who was composed by those who had not fought with the Lord and prevailed, still needing a change in their life, and Israel, who was the same people, but composed of those who had fought with God and prevailed. What kind of work have you done? The Father’s worker used in leadership needs to show that he was approved.

The Lord’s inheritance needs people who have indeed had an encounter with Him and were shaped to do the work without any interest, but to do the best. Without a doubt, the heavenly Father knows how to choose the most responsible and worthy of approval at the end of the career they have been proposed. 

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares