How should we respond when God reveals His chosen servants, as in 1 Samuel 17:55? The Moment of Revelation “As Saul had watched David going out to confront the Philistine, he asked Abner, the commander of his army, ‘Whose son is this youth, Abner?’ Abner replied, ‘As surely as you live, O king, I do not know.’ ” (1 Samuel 17:55) God had already chosen and anointed David (1 Samuel 16:12-13), yet here Saul is just beginning to notice him. When the Lord places His hand on someone and lets that fact become visible, the way we respond matters deeply. Lessons from Saul’s Uncertainty • Saul saw bravery but did not recognize the backstory of God’s call. • His first instinct was to identify David’s credentials (“Whose son?”) instead of celebrating God’s evident favor. • The king’s later jealousy (1 Samuel 18:8-9) shows how a poor initial response can snowball into open resistance to God’s plan. Healthy Responses When God Highlights His Servants • Acknowledge God’s choice. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, “man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” When we see clear fruit of the Spirit or divine enablement, we affirm it. • Honor them appropriately. “The elders who lead well are worthy of double honor” (1 Timothy 5:17). Respect expresses agreement with God’s decision. • Offer support. Jonathan “strengthened David’s hand in God” (1 Samuel 23:16). Practical help, encouragement, and prayer backing enable the servant to fulfill the task. • Submit where fitting. “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls” (Hebrews 13:17). Humble cooperation furthers kingdom work. • Test, don’t despise. “Do not despise prophecies, but test all things; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). Discernment protects against error without stifling God-given ministry. Guarding Our Hearts Against Wrong Reactions • Jealousy: Saul’s envy ruined his reign (1 Samuel 18:29). • Suspicion: Constantly searching for flaws blinds us to God’s activity (Matthew 13:57). • Indifference: Ignoring God’s appointment makes us spectators instead of partners (James 4:17). Encouraging God’s Servants as They Step Forward • Speak life: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). • Share resources: The Philippian church partnered financially with Paul (Philippians 4:14-16). • Stand with them publicly: Barnabas vouched for Paul in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27). Living Out a Supportive Posture • Watch for God’s hand at work in others. • Respond quickly with honor, service, and prayer. • Guard against jealousy by celebrating every victory as kingdom progress. • Stay teachable, letting God use His servants to stretch and refine you. When the Lord reveals His chosen servants, the right response is enthusiastic alignment—honoring His choice, supporting His work, and letting their obedience inspire our own. |
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