The First step to becoming king is to play the harp.

King David is one of the most fleshed out characters in the bible. We see his youth and old age. His growth and his downfall as well as his redemption. This ruddy youth with beautiful eyes was chosen by God to become king of Israel. One problem, Saul was king and had no intention to surrender the throne. How was a poor shepherd boy supposed to overthrow an established king? First step was playing the harp.

David was a no body in the land of Judah. He grew up in the town of Bethlehem away from the main cities of Israel. But the one thing that made David enter the court of King Saul was his music ability. Below is the passage of the bible that I am reflecting on from 1 Samuel 16:15-22

Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you.  Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.”

 So Saul said to his attendants, “Find someone who plays well and bring him to me.”

One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.”

Then Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me your son David, who is with the sheep.” So Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine and a young goat and sent them with his son David to Saul.

 David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.

This beginning would eventually lead David to become a powerful leader of Israel. David would go on to defeat Goliath, conquer the Philistines, unite the tribes of Israel, and create the Davidic Kingdom that reigns to this day through Jesus Christ the Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords. All of which was possible because David had a hobby of playing the harp and writing hymns for the Lord.

I reflect on this passage and is amazed at the audacity of God. If someone were to scheme how to overcome a current ruler, then would they think of preparing someone’s music ability? It is a good reminder to have trust in God’s plan. How often are we discontent where we currently are, but where we currently are is where God wants us to be. Why? God knows, but it is not our role as servants to question the master.

We all struggle with finding our vocation and discerning the proper path. I would have complete understanding if God told David the first step to becoming King would be knowing how to pluck a harp. Yet, that was how David’s journey began. In our own life, we could have skepticism how friendships, jobs, invitations, skills, hobbies, etc. could be apart of God’s plan. But who are we to judge?

The disciples ask Jesus to increase their faith Luke 17:5. Jesus responds with a parable of a servant obeying a master even after a hard days work. That a true mark of a faithful servant is to think “We are unworthy servants who have only done what we were told to do.” (Luke 17:10) It hinders our faith journey if we expect a reward after each milestone. Does playing the harp make David king? No. But it was the first step on that journey.

We must not want to be rewarded for every phase in our life. We must have an obedient attitude throughout the whole journey. Increase our faith indeed. God is Good. All the time. He will guide us will we need to go. Even if we walk through the valley of death we will have no fear. But if we want to be consoled and rewarded every step of the way, then I imagine Jesus rolling his eyes to the Pharisees, “no sign will be given to this generation.” (Mark 12:39)

Follow your heart. Pray to God. Let him guide you on this adventure call life. Have no fear nor anxiety. But with all things present them to God. As St. Augustin said, “First love then do what you want.” You can never go wrong if you are focus on following God’s will and dedicating all things for the Greater Glory of God. So, be at peace and go forth!