“So he (Samuel) asked Jesse, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’ ‘There is still the youngest,’ Jesse answered, ‘but he is tending the sheep.’ Samuel said, ‘Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.’” (1 Samuel 16:11)

The greatest king in the history of Israel, the man with a heart after God, was an afterthought in his father’s mind.

Samuel had told Jesse to bring his sons before Samuel, because one of them was to be anointed king. They seemed to be kingly, especially the oldest, Abinadab. At least that’s what Samuel thought. But God said no.  Seven sons passed by Samuel, and seven times God said no.

So Samuel was perplexed. God had told Samuel that he was to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king.  Samuel had asked Jesse to gather his sons. And God said no to each of them. So, either God had changed His mind or Samuel had misinterpreted or – there was another son somewhere.

Of course, that’s what it was. Jesse never dreamed his youngest son would be anointed king. That was meant for one of his older sons. Not only was David relegated to tending sheep, David was a runt. He didn’t seem to possess, at least outwardly, what it takes to be a king.  

And yet, David was the one anointed. David was the one who killed the bear and the lion and the giant. David was the one who soothed Saul’s heart with his harp. David was the one who defeated a giant with a stone and a slingshot. David was the one who danced before the Lord when the Ark was brought into Jerusalem. David was the one who extended surprising grace to Mephibosheth. David was the one before whom the enemies of Israel fell.  

Certainly Jesse loved all his sons. He just never imagined what God had in mind for David. God’s plans are always immeasurably more than ours.

As you consider your role, and yes even your gift, to the capital campaign you may think that what you can offer may be the “least” in comparison to others. However, don’t discount what God can do with the “least of these” in accomplishing His purposes.