God's Anointing (Part 2)

last blog, I referred to preachers whose speaking skills don’t seem particularly impressive but who are leading incredible churches. My point was that God’s anointing trumps any other skills that we may have when it comes to effective leadership. That does not, however, mean that the God-given skills and abilities we have, and our past experiences, are irrelevant. As evidence of both points, consider the humble shepherd who became Israel’s greatest king. I love the story in 1 Samuel 16, when Samuel comes to Bethlehem to anoint the future king. He automatically assumes that Jesse’s oldest son is the chosen one, but God reminds him that, “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (16:7). And so David, the youngest son, the one who wasn’t even on the original invitation list for the feast, is ultimately anointed. In the same chapter, however, we see how important David’s skills and past experiences are in God’s providential plan. When Saul’s officials need a harpist to chase away the evil spirits that torment the king, David’s name rises to the top of the list. Perhaps David was a musical prodigy, but I am certain that he also had to work to become a skilled harpist. When David faced Goliath, God surely guided the stone but it was launched by a hand that was confident and experienced in the use of a slingshot. If you were designing a training program for a future king, harp and slingshot lessons might not be on your list, but they’re exactly what God used. Where does that leave you as a leader? I hope it reminds you that God’s purposes run through the “wasted” experiences and events in your life. Whatever “harp” lessons you may have endured, or may currently be enduring, may be used in surprising ways. But more than that, I hope it takes you to the foot of God’s throne, where you bow before Him in genuine worship. After all, those who desire God’s anointing know that He looks at the heart. It’s easy to receive my blogs by email. Just sign-up on Feedburner by clicking here.]]>