Stand Out

Daily Devotional: Day 59

“And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine [Goliath], Abner took him, and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite” (1 Samuel 17:57-58, RSV).

 David had begun to cause a stir in Saul’s palace. People were beginning to take notice of his outstanding virtues. So did King Saul. Consequently, he ordered Abner, commander-in-chief of his army, to look into David’s family background. In today’s Scripture passage, we learn that after David returned from conquering Goliath, Abner brought him to Saul. Saul’s question and David’s reply are the basis for our reflection today. It hadn’t been long since David started serving under Saul. Yet the King noticed something extraordinary about David. He noticed his upright conduct, his bravery, his respectful attitude, his confidence, his humility, his talents and his fear of God. This made the King curious, and he summoned David to learn more about his background. His question to David is simple, yet profound: Whose son are you? Saul wanted to trace the connection between David and his parents, for as the English adage goes, “an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Being a king, Saul had had many people serve under him, but David stood out. 

In the New Testament, a similar incident occurred in the life of Jesus. As people noticed his outstanding qualities, they wondered what could be his secret: “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? . . . Where then did this man get all this?” (Matthew 13:54-56). Notice that Jesus stood out, as did David. It’s your turn to stand out. You don’t have to repeat exactly what David or Jesus did, for circumstances are different. However, no matter what you do or where you find yourself, God wants you to stand out for his glory. God doesn’t want you to just be like everyone else. His anointing is upon you; you’re part of his royal priesthood and his holy nation. Everywhere you go, and whatever you do, remember that you bear the Name of Christ. Whatever people say about you affects the Name your bear, positively or negatively. Stand out, therefore, not only for Jesus, but also for the honor of your earthly family.

Prayer:

Daddy, thank you that I can call you my Father. I know that you have blessed me with immense potential. Stir within me a spirit of excellence. And whatever I do, or wherever I go, let me shine for your glory. In the Name of Jesus. Amen. 

For further study: Daniel 1:1-21