Issue #133, July 9, 2014
We have observed David as a young man developing the heart of a shepherd and learning to base his significance on his relationship with God instead of other things. At this point in his leadership journey, he had little idea of what God wanted to do with his life, but God was working in his life to prepare a future king. Before David was ready for public leadership, God knew that David, like all servant leaders, needed the empowering of the Spirit and provided this through Samuel’s anointing.
So he [Samuel] asked Jesse,“Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered, “but he is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; he is the one.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:11-13)
From this point onwards, David’s life was forever changed. He was called to leadership. He knew it and his family knew it. The oil poured on his head was accompanied by the Spirit of God coming upon him “in power.” This empowerment of the Spirit shaped His entire life and reveals our own need for the same.
Spirit empowerment supersedes our physical ability.
The Spirit came with ‘power.’ David had physical ability and even looked good! He had the courage to kill a lion and a bear. He was a skilled marksman. But these physical characteristics and abilities were not enough for him to be a leader after God’s own heart. The power of the Spirit brings a strength to servant leaders that cannot be developed in school or from books. Leaders, particularly gifted leaders, are tempted to think that they can do it alone. But those who attempt to lead with their own ability cannot fully accomplish what God intends for them. Servant leaders consciously seek the empowerment of the Spirit for all they do.
Spirit empowerment shapes our heart.
This anointing ceremony was a huge event for David, and from that moment he knew that he would be a king. Still, it would be many years before David would actually sit on a throne. The empowerment of the Spirit enabled David to persevere through the wilderness experiences still to come. He developed the patience to wait on God’s timing. History is filled with stories of young leaders who feel called to positions and then scheme to get power. David was able to wait humbly on God because of his encounter with the Spirit. Servant leaders rely on the work of the Spirit to change their hearts.
Spirit empowerment sets us apart.
In the presence of his father and brothers, David was set apart for a special leadership role. But this call came at a great cost. There was some jealously from David’s brothers who likely felt better qualified. Their jealously was revealed some time later when they mocked David on the battlefield. From this point on David was no longer simply a young brother; he was set apart. Many desire leadership positions but are not prepared for the cost of leadership. Servant leaders humbly accept the call and with the empowerment of the Spirit are able to pay the price.
In our day, the empowerment of the Spirit is available to all, not a select few. All servant leaders seek the empowerment of the Spirit for the role to which God has called them. With the empowerment of the Spirit, they learn not to rely on their own ability, they allow God to shape their hearts, and they willingly pay the price for being set apart.
For further reflection and discussion:
- To what extent is your own leadership shaped by the work of the Spirit? Give a recent example.
- In what areas are you tempted to rely on your own ability instead of the Spirit’s? What can you do to guard against this temptation?
- What areas of your heart need the empowerment of the Spirit right now? Take a moment to ask Him to do this work in you and be sensitive to any actions He instructs you to take.
- In what ways has God led you to be ‘set apart’ from others? How have you responded to this call? How can the Spirit enable you to walk confidently yet with humility?