1 Samuel 16:1-13 – LOOKING FOR A LEADER
There will be times in the course of God’s work that a new leader will be needed.
Saul had been the king of Israel, but Saul had disqualified himself. 1 Samuel 13:5-16, 1 Samuel 15:1-31
The prophet Samuel, who had anointed Saul to be king, would be called upon again to appoint and anoint a new leader for Israel
SAMUEL’S MISSION – Vss. 1-3
Vs. 1 – There is a time to stop lamenting for a leader who is gone or has disqualified himself. Joshua had to stop lamenting the loss of Moses, a very good leader, and move on (Joshua 1:1-2).
Samuel had to stop lamenting the loss of Saul, who had failed, and move on.
Sometimes we fail in our churches to get over the loss of a leader good or bad and move on under God’s direction.
Vss. 2-3 – Samuel was to step out in faith to find and anoint a new leader. God would protect him from the enemy and guide him to the man of God’s choosing. Although God provides His leaders, he gives His children the job of looking for them.
SAMUEL’S METHOD – Vss. 4-11
Each “candidate” in Jesse’s family was brought before Samuel.
Samuel, in a sense, examined them. But the ultimate choice was up to God. Samuel set aside his own personal opinions in order to do the will of God. He listened for God’s voice during this process. As we search for leaders, we must also set aside our own opinions to find the men and women of God’s choosing. We must look to the Lord for His choice. Psalm 32:8
SAMUEL’S MAN – Vss. 12-13
Samuel’s “man” was closer to being a boy. Samuel’s man was lowest in rank in a large family. Samuel’s man was a man God filled with His Holy Spirit. Samuel’s man was a man after God’s own heart. 1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22
As we search for leaders, let’s make sure our man is really God’s man.