*Post updated September 2022
Join us on the Revelation Wellness Blog this Advent for an interactive Rev-style Advent Devotional. You’re invited to read Scripture aloud, reflect and journal on the selected passage, move your body in joy, and pray in common prayer. Let God’s Word sink deep into your heart, body, and spirit as we anticipate the birth of our Jesus!
Opening Verse
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds! And blessed be his glorious Name forever! and may all the earth be filled with his glory. Amen. (Psalm 72:18-19)
Holy Reading, 1 Samuel 16:1-13
When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord.”
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.”
Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”
So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.
Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this 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 powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.
Reflection
We will not sit down until he arrives.
What a beautiful commitment to stand in honor and respect of the future King of Israel. This is the beginning of the story of the great and righteous King David. David is one of the seven sons of Jesse. He is the youngest of the brothers, herding sheep while the prophet Samuel meets with the rest of his family to determine God’s anointed King. Each of the seven sons pass by Samuel to see if they are God’s anointed. But even the oldest and strongest brother is not The One. So, David is called in from the fields with no time to wash up, as if forgotten and deemed the most unlikely king of the bunch. He too passes in front of Samuel.
In spite of his appearance, the Lord tells Samuel that David is The One. We are not told why He is chosen, but we are reminded that God looks at the heart. We are left to wonder what makes David’s heart worthy of such anointing. In a scene reminiscent of Jesus’ baptism, David is anointed with oil and the Spirit descends on him. This shepherd boy with the dirt of the fields still on his hands will be the King of Israel, but it will be years before he is seated on the throne.
There is so much treasure to find in the story of David and his connections with Jesus the Messiah. But like Mary, let us ponder this next thought in our hearts. Just as David had to live through a time between his anointing and his kingship, so did Jesus, and so do we. Though the Prince of Darkness still has the power to confuse, disrupt, and distort, his kingdom will have an end. In this second week of Advent, we will not sit down until Jesus arrives. So we look to Jesus, hands still scarred by the cross, seated on His throne as the King of Heaven and Earth. His Kingdom will have no end.
Let our hope be set and our imaginations be formed by the promise of Jesus’ return when all things will be made new. Take this time today to journal in response to the questions below and move in response to the joy of our salvation.
Journaling Questions
1. What does the Lord see when He looks at my heart?
2. Have I “sat down” or given up anywhere in my life and walk with the Lord?
3. What is one HOPEFUL thing I can do today?
Move In Joy
WES’ CIRCUIT TRAINING – “IN IT WITH US”
A circuit is a way of incorporating muscle diversity with a variety of movements while allowing you time to practice and perfect the move. You will go through a series of cardiovascular, agility, power, or strength-training stations, then return back through the cycle of stations in order to practice the movement while stirring up your heart rate intensity.
Equipment Needed: Hand weights and exercise mat
Closing Prayer
Jesus, you are worthy of all adoration, and praise, for you, are humble, righteous, and the King of all kings.
I confess the places where I have given up hope and sat down in defeat. In this time between Your resurrection and return, help me stand and live for You.
Help me spread the hope of your salvation with a life of hope and truth. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.
Gabrielle Wenos is a Content Manager at Revelation Wellness. She graduated from Platoon 21 and lives in Wyoming with her husband and son. Read more of her work on her blog, All These Things Blog.
Everything You Need This Season
What if the weeks before Christmas were marked by rhythms of reflection, peace, and preparation? What if Christmas and the twelve days that followed were marked with unhurried celebration and fellowship?
We don’t want you to add more to your hectic schedule.
But, after reading through these devotionals, resources, and a whole lot of God’s Word, you may just be compelled to adopt new rhythms and priorities during these weeks of joy.
10 Responses
I really ENJOYED this deVotion what is the Playlist to the cirCut training?
Oh thank you, Shelly!! Hmm I will have to look into the playlist for the circuit workout.
Gabby, this is so good! I love how you made the connection between reverence for King David and our waiting for King Jesus. Thank you for sharing with us!
Thank you, Kasey!
Ah! It makes a hUge dIfferEnce in todays devotional when you go all the way to verse 13.
My calendar reads 1 Samuel 16:1-3. Which is still significant but not the same!
Im so glad I took the time to read this today.
Totally bleseed again!
Thank you!
I’m so glad this blessed you, Nancy!
I just caught something while reading the reflection part.
I thought Jesse was the father David, not Jacob.
I am a bit sleepy reading this so I hope I read right, that’s all.
Good catch! I edited the mistake. Thank you!