Anointed With Issues

Various Scriptures

David is one of the most well-known patriarchs in the entire Bible. He (David) was God’s first choice to be the king of Israel. The covenant that God made with David was that his descendants would rule in perpetuity on the throne of Israel (2 Samuel 7). This promise came to its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the son of David par excellence (Matthew 1:1, Luke 1:32). David accomplished many great feats to include establishing Jerusalem as the political and religious headquarters for Israel. Not only was David a notable king, but he was an anointed musician, a great warrior, and a true worshipper. The Bible records that when an evil spirit came upon Saul, David played the harp and the evil spirit left (I Samuel 16:23). It was David that defeated the giant Goliath thus giving Israel the victory over the dreaded Philistines (I Samuel 17). Some of my most favorite songs are either titled after or literally words written by David to include Byron Cage’s, “I will bless the Lord at all times” (Psalm 34:1) and “Thou art a shield for Me: Psalm 3.” The standard by which God selects those to serve in His Vineyard are directly related to David. When Samuel went to Jessie’s house looking for Israel’s king, God Words to the prophet were: “…The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7, NIV) But although David was used by God in a mighty way, he was a man who was, “anointed with issues.”

God’s Selection of David does not mean that he was perfect; as a matter of fact, David was far from it! Truth be told, David had issues, “that were not to be laughed at.” Most of us know about his immorality in committing adultery with one of his soldier’s (Uriah) wives (Bathsheba) and then trying to cover it up which ultimately ended up in Uriah’s death (II Samuel 11). But you may not know about the rest of his family life. David had multiple wives and he fathered a dysfunctional family. One of his sons (Amnon, son of Ahinoam) raped his sister (Tamar, daughter of Maacah) resulting in his (Amnon) being killed by his brother Absalom (son of Maacah). Probably his greatest enemy was his own son (Absalom) who tried to take the kingdom away from him. As a matter of fact, some of David’s most powerful psalms were written while he was on the run fleeing from his son (Absalom). But despite all of his flaws, faults, and failures, he was still a man “after God’s own heart.” (I Samuel 13:14)

The next time you see someone under attack from the enemy or even fallen into an area of sin, do the spiritual thing and, “…restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted (Galatians 6:1). And if you feel tempted to “run down” one of God’s servants, always remember that all of us are, “Anointed with Issues.” If you need proof of this truth, simply look in the mirror.

Let’s Pray: “Father, thank You for using us in Your kingdom. Thank You for looking beyond our faults and using us “in spite of,” in Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Daily Prayer: “Oh, that You would bless me indeed,

and enlarge my territory,

that Your hand would be with me,

and that You would keep me from evil,

that I may not cause pain!”

The Prayer of Jabez, I Chronicles 4:10

Read the Scriptures in this devotional!