December 29, the fifth day of Christmas, is also listed as the Commemoration of David. You probably know a bit about this guy. Anointed by Samuel to be king, A shepherd boy who went out against a Philistine giant and slew him with a sling and stone. The one who became King David, a man who strove to serve God faithfully even though he was mortal like the rest of us. And one through whom the promised Messiah would enter this world. Let’s go back to how it started.

1 Samuel 16:1–13 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” But Samuel said, “How can I go? Saul will hear about it and kill me.” The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.” Samuel did what the Lord said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?” Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 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 man looks at. Man looks 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, “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.

The first king of Israel, Saul, was chosen for being taller than anyone else. He was now rejected by God. So rather than judging by outward appearances, God looks at the heart in selecting the successor to Saul.

Acts 13:22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’

David was described as a man after God’s own heart. He was not perfect, and many of his failings are recorded for us in Scripture. When confronted with his sin, as in the case of Bathsheba, he repented, received forgiveness, and continued to trust in God. David was from the line of Judah, and God now promises that the Messiah would come from David’s descendants.  The way the New Testament begins is a reminder of that.

Matthew 1:1 A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham:

Our Good Shepherd was descended from one who was a shepherd at heart. He was caring for sheep when God sent Samuel to anoint him. And David would later write that beautiful Psalm 23 that describes God as our Shepherd. David’s greater son was the embodiment of the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. He was also from the lineage of royalty, but His kingship surpasses that of His earthly fathers. He is the King of kings, worthy of all our praise.

Rejoice on this fifth day of Christmas that our Savior has come as promised and continue singing with the angels: “Glory to the newborn King!”