1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41
The love of God in our world may not always be obvious. Our relationship with God is so personal and therefore, I think that many of us struggle with the very personal topic of God’s love. I think we can get it when it comes to puppies, kittens and babies. Because they are so cute! But when it comes to the darker things in life, we may not always see God’s love and trust it. But the love of God on a very basic level, is why we have life. (I understand this sentence is loaded, so just stay with me.) We are alive and if we, as Christians, believe in God and that God gives life, then we can make the connection that because God gives us life, God loves us. But there are times, moments and situations in which the love of God is not evident. When a beloved family member, or friend passes away, God’s love may seem distant.
Yet, the word of God reminds us, repeatedly, of His great love. Thinking of the scriptures from today’s first reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-12 and Psalm 23, I’m particularly struck by Psalm 23. The author (King David) almost sings in celebration of this great love. He, once a shepherd himself, writes about the penultimate love and protection of our Creator God, the Greatest Shepherd of all. The very first verse establishes the foundation on which this love is based. This declaration of God’s character firmly establishes David’s relationship to the Great Shepherd. Because God is his Shepherd, all of his needs are cared for. He is loved, provided for and protected. God’s character as a Protector, Provider, Refresher and Reviver, is depicted in a few short verses. Themes of God’s safety, guidance and protection are repeated throughout this psalm.
But then, we get down to where David speaks of how he has been chosen by God. In verse 5, the second part, David declares that his head is anointed with oil and his cup runs over. To obviously tie in our reading from first Samuel, in verse 13, the prophet Samual anoints young David as God instructs him to. But before David received this anointing, there was a process that occurred that he wasn’t aware of. The beginning of chapter 16 describes the scene and shows us how Samuel follows God’s instructions. He goes to Jesse’s house because God has selected one his sons to be the next king over Israel. Jesse has Samuel take a look at all of his sons first, except David. After God had rejected all of David’s brothers, Samuel asks if all of Jesse’s sons had been seen. Enter David. Although David had been left out of the process, God still chose him! God tells Samuel that David is the son God has chosen and instructs Samuel to anoint him!
The same is also true for you and me! We too are chosen! No matter who may appear to be better looking, stronger or smarter, we are chosen by God!
As you move through this Lenten season, I invite you to consider contemplating this truth: you are chosen by God. YOU are chosen by God. You ARE CHOSEN by God. You are chosen BY GOD! The repetition is for emphasis. I invite you to step into that space to receive the depth and fullness of that truth. Some practical ways to meditate on this would be to practice saying it. If you haven’t thought of yourself as a “child of God”, saying it will help you begin to believe it. Try saying it a few times. Begin to own it more as you repeat it. By “own it”, I mean, you have to mean it as you say it. Don’t just mumble these words but say it like you mean it!
Next, as you read verses 10 through 13 of 1 Samuel daily, follow the story and let the words form the story in your mind and imagine yourself as young David. Think about how you would feel if the prophet of your home town came to your house and blessed you and anointed you. Then imagine the feeling of being chosen by a prophet of God as the future ruler of your hometown.
Finally, as you meditate on the story and envision yourself in it, think on how it feels to be chosen. Think about the description of God as The Great Shepherd in Psalm 23. Consider how it feels to be selected or sought out. Keep in mind, this is not a competition. I repeat, this is not a competition! Do not gloat over the fact that you were chosen instead of your siblings. Do not celebrate that in the future, you’re going to be someone famous. But rather, sit in the warmth of that feeling of being seen. Being called by God for God’s purpose! To use an old baseball term, imagine how it feels to be “called up” into who you are yet to be. Let the warmth of that love fill your heart and hold it there.
Lastly, as you move through this exercise, end with grateful prayer. Praise God and thank God for God’s love for you. Thank Jesus for His journey here on earth and the sacrifice of His life for yours. And then give thanks for the Hoy Spirit who keeps and guides you and for your precious, blessed, special, sacred, chosen life.
This Lenten season, reflect on who you are in Christ, holy, chosen and beloved. With this practice, your awareness of self and others is refined and your overall sense of community will expand.
One final note: the traditional South African philosophy of Ubuntu basically says that I am human because you are human. It follows the line of thinking that my humanity matters because your humanity matters. Being fully confident in your identity as a chosen, special and blessed child of God helps us to care for others, for when we carry this philosophy, we can then see others as we are: blessed, chosen, special children of God. When we view others in this communal aspect, our care for them naturally flows from a shared place of knowing and belonging. And when we as humans, love and care for other humans in this manner, the light of Jesus shines brightest.
Aleta Howard-Carthorn is a follower of Jesus Christ and a lover of his word. She is deeply-rooted in the study of the word and enjoys seeking deep spiritual truths through the study of it and revelation from the Holy Spirit. She is pursuing her call to ministry as a student at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in the Master’s program for Pastoral studies. She is the wife of Charles and mother of Charles Anthony and enjoys encouraging and building up her family.
Her ministry is to lead people to the feet of Jesus where they may find their identity, purpose and destiny. She leads a local women’s prayer ministry, Sisters In Prayer, International and she is currently in pursuit of ordination within her home church, Sixth Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Her favorite scripture is: “Be anxious for nothing but in all things, with prayer, supplication and with thanksgiving, make your requests known unto God and the peace that passes all understanding will guard our hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus.” This scripture reminds her that the peace of God leads and guides us, not matter what may cause us any anxiety or worry. It helps to keep her centered and focused on Christ at all times.
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