Prophets tread dangerous paths

Have you ever thought of how dangerous a prophet’s ministry is? This is evident in the first reading for today from 1 Samuel 16:1-13. King Saul has been rejected by God. This is the word that Samuel received. That’s treasonous thinking. No wonder that, when God calls on the prophet to go anoint a son of Jesse of Bethlehem to be king, Samuel says, “Saul will kill me.” What’s more, Samuel is advised to use deception to enter Bethlehem. He is walking a very dangerous path. So, he tricks the elders into believing that he has come to perform an innocent sacrifice. Samuel had to do this because the text says that the elders were trembling when they came to meet Samuel. The elders must have been worried about what the prophet’s intentions were given that King Saul was not living up to expectations. Samuel could be putting the town at risk. Anyway, the elders allowed the prophet to carry out the sacrifice at Jesse’s place. Next comes a strange ceremony whereby the prophet asked to see each of Jesse’s sons. Seven of them, and some looked kingly material, were brought forward to face the prophet. Imagine Samuel’s frustration when there was no clear indication from the Lord that one of these should be anointed. Something’s gone wrong and he was in a very precarious situation. “Is this all the sons you’ve got.” Jesse replies, “Oh, there’s one more, but he’s only a young fellow, only fit for looking after the sheep.” The prophet demanded that he be brought to him and once the oils hit his head, it was clear that David was to be the new king. Soon all hell will break loose because no kingdom can bear the weight of rivals to the throne. Please pray for prophets of our times, those who walk dangerous paths in confronting unjust leadership and calling for rebellion in order to restore truth and justice.