David vs. Goliath. One of the classic stories of the Bible. So many truths you can glean personally and for the kids you minister to.
And the cool thing about God's Word...you can get something new out of it every time. Last week, something jumped out at me that I'd never seen before.
Goliath is referred to as the "champion" 3 times in 1 Samuel 17.
"A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp." (vs. 4)
"As he was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it." (vs. 23)
"When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they turned and ran." (vs. 51)
Goliath was the ultimate "champion" by human standards. He was the pinnacle of human strength, training, and experience. His confidence was obviously in all of the above. You can hear it in his words.
“Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!” (vs.44)
On the other side you have David. Just a young man. No experience in battle. Not a "champion" in war by man's standards.
But..He was MORE than a champion. He was someone with God's hand on his life. His confidence was not in his ability, but in God. You can hear it in his words.
“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” (vs.45-47)
Here's what we learn from this.
- We must not depend on our own strength and ability.
- We must depend upon God for the victory. Cast yourself upon Him.
- Realize that it's not about you. It's about God and His glory.
- Be quick to give God the credit when the victory comes.
- Do you feel like you are not talented enough? Strong enough? Smart enough? Skilled enough? You're just who God is looking for. He wants to show Himself strong through you.
