July 31, 2024 

Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-23

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 16:1-23; Acts 25:13-27

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.”  (1 Samuel 16:13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In the Old Testament era, God’s Spirit came upon certain individuals and was manifest in different ways. Often, He gave the gift of prophecy, but not always. Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God to equip him for craftsmanship in the building of the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:3). God took “some of the Spirit” that was upon Moses to put upon seventy of the elders of Israel to assist in the work of serving the people (Numbers 11:17). When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied. Joshua was “a man in whom was the Spirit” (Numbers 27:18). The Spirit of the Lord was upon judges like Othniel (Judges 3:10), Gideon (Judges 6:34), Jephthah (Judges 11:29), and others. When Saul was anointed the first king of Israel, the Spirit came upon him, and he prophesied (1 Samuel 10:10).

The Spirit also rushed upon David when he was anointed by Samuel as Saul’s successor, the king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13). Whereas the Spirit often remained for a time on others, the Spirit remained continually with David. He was the Lord’s anointed. Later, in Psalm 51, when considering the reality and gravity of sin, David prayed, “Take not your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11). Perhaps he was remembering when God removed His Spirit from hard-hearted Saul, rejecting him as king over Israel. David continually needed God’s Spirit to serve God’s people faithfully as their king.

The Holy Spirit descended upon the Son of David at His Baptism. John the Baptist said, “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him” (John 1:32). The Spirit confirmed to John (and to you and me) that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Spirit confirmed that Jesus is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. After Jesus’ bloody Baptism on the cross and His resurrection, He sent forth His apostles to make disciples by baptizing and teaching.

At your Baptism, the Holy Spirit rushed upon you and remains on you. He sanctifies and keeps you in the one true faith, anchoring you in Jesus to bear good fruit. Through the Means Of Grace, He forgives your sins, equips you for daily life in your vocation, and enables you to confess Jesus. He keeps you awake and watchful for the final resurrection. Come, Holy Spirit! Come, Lord Jesus! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord, With all Your graces now outpoured On each believer’s mind and heart; Your fervent love to them impart. Lord, by the brightness of Your light In holy faith Your Church unite From every land and every tongue This to Your praise, O Lord, our God, be sung: Alleluia, alleluia! (LSB 497:1)

-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.

The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.