We sometimes miss the clue this story gave to David’s painful early life as Jesse’s youngest son, the “runt of the litter.” The prophet said, “Bring your sons to the sacrifice,” but Jesse didn’t value David enough to include him. (In that regard, the story may remind us of the familiar Cinderella story.) But God wouldn’t let Jesse limit his options. Today millions know David’s name who’ve never heard of Eliab, Abinadab or Shammah.

• Due to Psalm 23 (which David probably wrote) and to Jesus’ image of himself as the good shepherd (cf. John 10), there’s a certain “halo effect” around shepherds. But in David’s day (as in much of the Middle East today), shepherds held a very low social status. Have you ever (years ago or 10 minutes ago) felt that you’re not valued, and have little or no potential to make a positive difference in the world? If so, remember what God did through David, the left-out, unvalued kid brother.
• The Hebrew historian wrote that after Samuel anointed David, “The Lord’s spirit came over David from that point forward.” The same history told of some awful mistakes and misjudgments by David. Tradition connected both the serene Psalm 23 and the penitent Psalm 51 with David’s name. How have you learned the value of daily renewing your loyalty to God? What makes it crucial for you, like David, to remember that even when you badly miss the path, God always offers mercy and a fresh start?