Gospel Reflections #944: When we are quick to become conceited

1 Samuel 16:21 "David came to Saul and served him. The king took a great liking to David and appointed him as his armour-bearer."

This records the historic moment when David, who would later become Israel's greatest king, first entered the court of Saul, the first king. 

David, renowned as a master harpist, was summoned to soothe Saul, who was tormented by an evil spirit after the Spirit of the Lord departed from him.

It states that Saul initially "loved him dearly."

This indicates that not only David's music, but also his humble character and the grace of God brought peace to Saul's heart.

The role of 'armour-bearer' was that of a highly trusted aide, stationed closest to the king to manage his shield and weapons for protection.

This signified that the young shepherd David, through God's providence, had been elevated directly to the side of the king, the nation's supreme ruler.

Earlier in chapter 16, David had been secretly anointed as the next king.

Here, we discern divine providence: God prepared a place for David to learn the "art of kingship" and "court etiquette" for his future kingship, placing him in the foremost position (beside Saul).

Though already chosen as the "next king," David did not immediately claim the throne. Instead, he began his journey as a "servant" to the suffering incumbent king.

This symbolises the biblical principle that "those whom God uses are first faithful in small things."

We are quick to become conceited, but we must always remember that we exist to be used by God. 

We desire to walk with God, faithfully and sincerely fulfilling what has been entrusted to us.

AUTHOR'S BIO: This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, who resides in Hiroshima, Japan. Masae is a dedicated student of the Bible with a deep passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on Gospel perspectives to reach out to others and spread the message of God's true love through a Christ-centered approach. We are sharing her insights here so that you, too, can experience the joy that comes from knowing and understanding the true Gospel and the love of God through Jesus Christ.