Chosen with Oil

Chosen with Oil

Introduction

Dear Readers, we are in the middle of the Easter season and if you bear to listen to the international news, you really wonder if anything good is happening in the world today. The contra-virus seems to have taken a back position to the disaster images of Ukraine. The news speaks of continued Russian bombings especially in the areas of civilians. I don’t know much about that side of the world but when I listen to conversations, no one actually answers the question-why?

What did Ukraine do to warrant this on slaughter of terror? If you know, please tell those of us who are still in the dark. We know there seems to be no regard for life, and donations and prayers around the U.K. are going towards those affected, but why war? What did that small country on the tip on that continent do to deserve it’s people to be massacred in this way?

I thought about Easter and if I should share my thoughts on the season, especially since the last story of the book is the Easter version of WYD. But my spirit said, in time, for now just reflect on the next story in the book. I will say this, Jesus died to give us ALL life and life more abundantly. I think on reading the stories that’s why the new Publishers felt the need to change the sub-heading from “Bible-Based Stories for Modern Families” to “Bible-Based Stories Showing God As A Father For Us All.” God allowed His Son to die on the cross for all humankind. And yes, whether you were born Russian or Ukrainian, God wants to be your Father too if you let Him.

One of the biggest blessings I have found as I get older is having a closer awareness of God’s presence. Since COVID I like so many others had to work from home. But rather than have a devotion in the morning and get up and go into the rest of the day, I thought why stop praying at devotions? Why not keep God’s presence with me during the day, asking for His leading on each conversation and decision? What I found was a release of the emotional weight, where I was reminded by the word, “my yoke is easy and my burden light.” Having God’s presence just made the work easier to carry.

By the end of the day, I didn’t feel stressed out and drained. There was energy enough to go on to other projects. It was like I was handed a back door pass to an easier way to do my job, and friends, I’ve been inviting the Lord to continue with me and His direction and inspiration have only improved my life. Just saying.

The Story

The story of ‘Chosen with Oil’ is a combination of three main experiences of David the shepherd. You have his thought process as he reflects on God’s goodness which inspires him to write one of the most popular psalms of the Bible, the twenty-third psalm. You have his experience in facing and fighting a bear, and while in the middle of that situation, he experiences hearing God’s voice as God guides and directs him in the course of battle.

And then you have his anointing to be King by the prophet Samuel. This is an unplanned, unexplained life-threatening turn of events in the young boys life. Also, how many people are anointed but not crowned. David didn’t move straight to the palace, that was a long and difficult journey.

Another issue this story looks at that might be relatable to some readers is the relationship David had with his father and his brothers. Not everyone grows up with supportive parents and siblings. One reflection in the story sees David thinking, “my mom is my mom but I wonder if I have a different father.” This is shared as he reflects on how he is treated in the family. Always feeling like a helper or outsider rather than a family member. Then you have the scene after the anointing by Samuel. The realization comes home that all the most recognized brothers were not anointed, in fact, David was not even considered by his father until all the other possibilities before him were exhausted.

I know of parents who have their favorites in their children. Some children connect with them in some heartfelt way. For some parents, you can see their eyes light up when certain children enter the room. However, they still show a certain amount of love and care for those who aren’t the most preferred.

But nothing. Not even to be considered to be in the room. A child in that position could grow up to have abandonment issues, low self-esteem, and low values of oneself. Maybe that longing David had for acceptance and family connection, is what drove his relationship with the Lord. What he didn’t get from his family he found with God. And that is something anyone who finds themselves in this position of longing can find in a resurrected Saviour.

Final Thoughts

On this Easter Sunday, I find life so different from where I thought I’d be. Work, family, and life have thrown some significant challenges. But one thing I am grateful for, the ever-faithful presence of a heavenly father who is with me every day so I don’t have to face these changes and challenges alone. He’s here for me and He’s here for you. Happy Easter.