David & Goliath (6)

1 Samuel 17:50-51 (NIV)
So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine's sword and drew it from the scabbard. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.

When a hero falls devastation prevails! It was one thing to lose in an even contest, but to be slain by an unlikely opponent who was an inferior warrior was something else. Fear, now changed sides! The bullies were now the victims!

Can one person change the world?

David’s life is a testament to the possibilities of one, the right ‘one’!

David & Goliath (5)

1 Samuel 17:49 (NIV)
Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he (David) slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.

Goliath did not see what was coming! He saw an ill-equipped youth, on the battlefield where men stood tall. Goliath did not read the presenting situation with any concern, even though the entire battle was hinging on this moment. Goliath saw no threat, only victory.

David saw a great threat before him, held to his faith, confronted his fears, and kept his head!

David & Goliath (4)

1 Samuel 17:48 (NIV)

As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.

The actions of David would encourage us to move quickly to engage our foe when all the appropriate preparations are in place. We are to be unencumbered, and free. If you are not free, do not engage a foe! Make sure there is nothing in your life that will drag you down.

David & Goliath (3)

David had a simple response to the bravado of Goliath.

1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NIV)
David said to the Philistine, "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 hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, 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."

David stood with confidence on the firm foundation of his faith in the God who had sustained him previously.

David & Goliath (2)

Samuel 17:44 (NIV)
"Come here," he said, "and I'll give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!"

The bravado of Goliath is on display as David approaches the giant of a man. Goliath knew that even a soldier could not get within striking distance, as his reach was much greater, and to have a youth approach him was just plain stupid. This was not and even match!

Goliath was totally focused on his personal strategies and achievements, and did not see what was coming. Big mistake!

David & Goliath

1 Samuel 17:23-24 (NIV)
As he (David) was talking with them, Goliath, the Philistine champion from Gath, stepped out from his lines and shouted his usual defiance, and David heard it. When the Israelites saw the man, they all ran from him in great fear.

People of my generation were feed the stories in the Scriptures in Sunday school classes. It depended on the enthusiasm of the teacher as to what emphasis was placed on the various events depicted. One account tackled every-so-often was David and Goliath.

The Israel’s were right to not tackle the huge man in hand-to-hand combat. The problem was that they did not know how to combat this imposing man that hurled abuse each day. The King was no better, sitting back unable to find a solution. In reality, none of the smaller Israel’s could get close enough, to lay a fatal blow on the giant of a man.

David would teach us, firstly to be bold, and secondly to encounter our foe on our terms. The arena may be of our foe’s choosing, but we are not restricted to using the same weapons.