June 11, 2024

On Receiving Anointing

Kate King | Read 1 Samuel 15:34-35 , Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13

(Image by: Pixabay)

Lectionary Week

June 10 16, 2024

Scripture Overview

The readings for this week look at the interaction between our humanity and divine kingdom power and the everyday anointing that can take place when we overlap with God’s presence. The scripture passage from First Samuel tells the story of Samuel following the guidance of the Lord to anoint David as king. Then we have Psalm 20, a psalm of David, that was originally written as a prayer sung by ancient Israelites for their king. Our passage from the Gospel of Mark compares the kingdom of God to the sprouting and growth of seeds in order to expound on the beauty of small acts of faith. In Second Corinthians, Paul explores what it means to glorify God. Paul also encourages the reader that when we are in Jesus Christ, we are made new.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read 1 Samuel 15:34–16:13. How do you feel God’s presence and anointing in your life?
Read Psalm 20. What are the desires of your heart? Where do the desires of your heart overlap with God’s desires for you? When do you feel as though you embody God’s desires?
Read 2 Corinthians 5:6-17. How can we make space for God in our physical body? Do you feel at home in your body while glorifying the Lord? When do you feel made new in Christ?
Read Mark 4:26-34. In what small action is God beckoning you to have big faith? How is God inviting you into kingdom work through small steps of faith?

Respond by posting a prayer.

¹ The LORD said to Samuel, “How long are you going to grieve over Saul? I have rejected him as king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and get going. I’m sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem because I have found my next king among his sons.” ² “How can I do that?” Samuel asked. “When Saul hears of it he’ll kill me!” “Take a heifer with you,” the LORD replied, “and say, ‘I have come to make a sacrifice to the LORD.’ ³ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will make clear to you what you should do. You will anoint for me the person I point out to you.” ⁴ Samuel did what the LORD instructed. When he came to Bethlehem, the city elders came to meet him. They were shaking with fear. “Do you come in peace?” they asked. ⁵ “Yes,” Samuel answered. “I’ve come to make a sacrifice to the LORD. Now make yourselves holy, then come with me to the sacrifice.” Samuel made Jesse and his sons holy and invited them to the sacrifice as well. ⁶ When they arrived, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, That must be the LORD’s anointed right in front. ⁷ But the LORD said to Samuel, “Have no regard for his appearance or stature, because I haven’t selected him. God doesn’t look at things like humans do. Humans see only what is visible to the eyes, but the LORD sees into the heart.” ⁸ Next Jesse called for Abinadab, who presented himself to Samuel, but he said, “The LORD hasn’t chosen this one either.” ⁹ So Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “No, the LORD hasn’t chosen this one.” ¹⁰ Jesse presented seven of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD hasn’t picked any of these.” ¹¹ Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Is that all of your boys?” “There is still the youngest one,” Jesse answered, “but he’s out keeping the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel told Jesse, “because we can’t proceed until he gets here.” ¹² So Jesse sent and brought him in. He was reddish brown, had beautiful eyes, and was good-looking. The LORD said, “That’s the one. Go anoint him.” ¹³ So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him right there in front of his brothers. The LORD’s spirit came over David from that point forward. Then Samuel left and went to Ramah.

It is striking to me that Samuel hears God’s voice so clearly. Samuel has a deep ability to experience and discern God’s presence. He could have doubted the words, “The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart,”...

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God, let us live in awe and joyful anticipation as we look for your anointings in our lives. May we feel faithful and sturdy enough to continue to stand in confidence until we see your Spirit come upon us and bless us. Amen.

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