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DAVID SLEW GOLIATH USING WHAT SUITED HIM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
1 Samuel 17:29-58

Psalm 103:1-5

 

“Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits.”

 

DAVID SLEW GOLIATH USING WHAT SUITED HIM
 
In response to his brother’s objections, David rhetorically asked, “What have I now done? Is there not a cause?” (1 Sam 17:29). Finally, it was brought to the attention of the king that David was willing to fight and kill Goliath. David then said to the king that no man’s heart should fail, and that he was ready to go and fight the Philistine. He spoke with confidence that he was going to kill the giant. He backed his hope with a testimony of his experience as a shepherd. When a lion and a bear threatened to kill his lamb, he killed them with his bare hands and saved the lamb. He thus affirmed that he would likewise slay the giant. Thus, the king gave him the green light to go after Goliath. David might have been a lad whom others despised, but at heart he was more mature than the king. And he was the king-in-waiting.
 
King Saul offered David his armour, sword and helmet. David tried them on, but refused to use them (1 Sam 17:38-39). He had his shepherd’s staff, a bag and a sling. He went to the brook and gathered five smooth stones and put them in his bag. These were enough for him. Goliath derided David and cursed him in the name of his gods. David said that Goliath was coming after him with shield and spear, but he depended on the God of the armies of Israel. He declared that the battle was the Lord’s. He affirmed that all those gathered would know that the Lord did not save by the sword, and that all the earth would know that “there is a God in Israel” (1 Sam 17:46).
 
David slew the giant at his very first attempt. Although he had gathered five stones from the brook, he needed to use only one and the giant was dead. David was victorious, and all witnessed it. The Israelite army was greatly encouraged and they chased the Philistines to their own cities and slew them. God made David a new hero in Israel. A past experience with God became a sample of a new achievement. David knew all along that with God all was possible.
 
THOUGHT: Attempt great things for God, achieve great things for Him.

PRAYER: Father, give me a heart like David’s.

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