READ: 1 Samuel 17
This is one of the most famous
and exciting stories of the Old Testament. Many children have acted out this
great battle in the Valley of Elah, and many adults have found great
encouragement through this epic story. The shepherd/musician, David, whom we
met in chapter 16 is now elevated as a young man of incredible faith, courage
and leadership. David is sent to the battlefield to check up on his brothers
and ends up rising victoriously above the Philistine’s champion fighter. One
must not take this to be chance; God was behind this event. He brought David to
the battle lines with purpose. He knew David’s heart and knew that David would
courageously rise up to defend His name, and God chose to use this moment of history
to elevate David as a godly leader in Israel.
David’s faith is incredible.
He truly is a man who has sought God’s heart, and in his seeking, he has grown
to love God. This is clear because he takes godly offense when Goliath speaks
defiantly of the God of Israel. David is not daunted by Goliath’s size or skill
(which the writer of 1 Samuel records in great detail); rather he is put off by
Goliath’s irreverence towards the Lord. And he is not just all talk, as some
might be. David is ready to put his words to action – to stand against this
giant in the name of the Lord and defend His holy name. David shows no fear of
man in these moments, nor does he fear for his own life. He knows God to be a
Defender – his own experience as a shepherd has taught him this. During his
time in the hills when there were no battles to fight and no name to defend,
David learned that God loved him – that even when there was no one around but
David and the sheep, and no job to be done besides watching the flock, that
even then, God loved David and could stand as his Defender. And so in this
moment when there is actually a cause to fight for, David has no doubt that God
will win the battle for him. He is so confident, that he does not even take the
armor given him. He will take only what he has used before – a staff and some
stones – and leave the matter in God’s hand. This is great faith.
David moves to a new level
through this event. Up until now, he has been a part-time shepherd and
part-time royal entertainer. Again, God is working to raise David up in the
palace and in the hearts of the people. This event puts David on the radar of
everyone in the nation. This was a time when Saul, as king, should have risen
up as leader and warrior. It was his job to stand up against the Philistines
who were mocking the Lord. Instead, he was cowering in fear and discouragement,
and his army followed. This, then, is the first story that, to the reader, pits
David against Saul. One is bold; the other acts in cowardice. One is full of
faith, eyes open to the God that is by his side; the other sees only the giant
standing in front of him. One, as a servant of God, is stepping up to a duty
that is not his own; the other is shirking his role as both king and spiritual
leader. From this point onward, David will continue to rise in the hearts and
minds of all Israel as Saul continues to falter. 1 Samuel is a book of
leadership. There is a clear line between those who lead out of their own
ability and pride, and those who lead boldly as humble servants of the Lord
Almighty.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. What
do you love about this story? How is your faith built and encouraged? What step
of action, or prayer point, is God stirring up in you through today’s reading?
2. Faith
is so foundational to the Christian life. Without it, it is impossible to
please God, and without faith, it is impossible to draw near to Him (Hebrews
11:6). Jesus said that all we needed to see movement in the kingdom was a
mustard seed of faith; however, He also spoke of people not having enough faith
and needing more. Our faith may start small, but it must grow. As God builds
our faith through various circumstances, our faith will increase and we will
have greater boldness to step out in new ways. Ask God to speak to you about
your faith. Here are some things you could ask:
a. Is there a situation where I am lacking
faith? Where is my doubt coming from?
b. What are some things you have done in my
life that have built my faith?
c. God, increase my faith!
d. Is there something I can do to grow in
faith?
3. Spend
some time praying for your church leaders. Pray that they would be leaders like
David – men and women who pursue the heart of God and who naturally stand up
for the name of the Lord. Use the strengths you see in David in this chapter to
pray specific things for your leaders.
