Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Matthew 1:5 (NIV)
5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,
1 Samuel 16:8-13 (NIV)
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 9 Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 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.” 12 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.” 13 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.
Yesterday’s sermon focused on Isaiah 11:1-10. In that passage Jesse is mentioned. Who is Jesse? And why is he so important? Jesse was the father of David, the greatest king of Israel (until Jesus!). Jesse was probably a prominent figure with some wealth and cattle. But Jesse was not a king. That is what makes him, and his son David, a little odd. Normally, Saul’s son, Jonathan, would be the next king. But God had other plans. God cared more about the heart of the king than his lineage. So, Saul is rejected because of unfaithfulness and in this passage God chooses a new king that no one expected. A new dynasty is chosen by God from the house of Jesse from which Jesus will come. This Advent, God is not looking at how beautiful your decorations are, or how big your tree is, or even how many presents you buy for others. God is looking for a heart that desires to be in a relationship with Him. Are you worried about appearances? Or about the heart you have for your King?