Thursday, March 4, 2010
Cream Rising
(I Samuel 16:12-14)
A saying common among rural folks instructs us that “the cream always rises to the top.” Of course, the saying hearkens back to milking the family cow and waiting for the cream to rise in order to skim it from the milk. The cream, the best part for non-dieters, always rises—easily separated from the more common milk. As with milk, so it is with men. The cream always rises to the top, easily distinguished from average milk. The best rise above the rest. Talent sets one apart from mediocrity. Accomplishment makes one stand out in a crowd.
David was pure cream. He was “ruddy,” meaning he had a healthy, glowing complexion. In addition, he was manfully proportioned—an outstanding specimen of young masculinity. As we learned yesterday, however, looks aren’t everything with God. God, who saw beyond David’s handsome features, detected a Godly heart as well (Acts 13:22).
In obedience to the Lord, Samuel anointed David “in the midst of his brethren” (13). In other words, from that day forward, David—at least in position—would stand out from his older brothers. Though young and inexperienced, the cream would rise to the top. The shepherd boy would excel his warrior brothers in every way: conquest, passion, leadership, and—most importantly—heart.
From the time of David’s anointing, “the spirit of the Lord came upon David.” In other words, his successes would not spring from native pluck alone. His most brilliant battles, lofty hymns of praise, and valiant feats would come from within—from the very presence of God, whose Spirit delights to fill the obedient heart. With God’s blessing, the cream would rise even farther. David, the young shepherd, would become the most revered figure in Jewish history!
