Week 3
“David was the son of Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem in Judah. Jesse was very old and had eight sons, the three eldest of whom were with Saul in the battle against the Philistines: Eliab, Abinadab, and Shammah. David was the youngest son and went back and forth from Saul to tend to his father’s sheep in Bethlehem. —1 Sam. 17:12–15
*All of this week’s readings refer to 1 Samuel 17. Reading this entire chapter for context will be helpful before delving into the week.
David’s early calling 1 was simple but significant: he was a son, an Israelite, and a shepherd. As Jesse’s son, he learned obedience at home. As an Israelite, he learned to trust the living God. As a shepherd, he developed diligence, courage, and a heart of protection.
Alone in the fields, David sharpened his skills with the sling—long hours of practice that made him lethal against predators. He even risked his life against lions and bears to protect the flock. But his preparation wasn’t only physical. As we see in the Psalms and throughout 1 Samuel 17, David also cultivated deep intimacy with God even in his early shepherding days by meditating on God’s promises and talking to him frequently (Psalm 23).
By the time we arrive at 1 Samuel 17, David’s unseen training—both spiritual and physical—has formed his character and equipped him for a greater calling.
1 A calling is a divine summons to serve; a quest is a specific action taken as a result of the calling. You will delve deeper into callings and quests in Week 12.
e. As you discover that God is always present, always listening, and always speaking, your time with him will naturally deepen and expand.
Reflection Questions
What roles has God currently called you to?
What are you doing to exhibit diligence and develop competence in each role?
Lord, what are you teaching me in today’s reading?
Lord, what else have you said to me through thoughts, circumstances, conversations, emotions, or the work of the enemy?
Lord, what do you want me to do: At home? At work? In ministry?