PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 1 Samuel 17-18
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“It is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves.” (1 Samuel 17:47)
God’s ultimate purpose is to restore His creation kingdom.
But God has assigned responsibility of this world to humans.
And we humans have become unreliable, violent and immoral partners.
In these stories we see God working with/despite flawed human partners.
In this story David stands apart as a humble, trusting servant.
As a human partner, he’s not bad… but he’s not perfect either.
God can work with David, despite his bloodied hands.
We should not read these stories as ‘be like David’ moralisms.
The real hero in these stories, and the whole bible, is God.
It is not the strength of humans that determines our success.
It is not because we are ‘good like David’ that God blesses us.
All of us are flawed, and God works with/despite us for His purpose.
It was not David’s stones, not his character, that defeated Goliath.
And it is not my character or integrity that saves me… it is God’s grace!
PRAYER
Lord, thank you that despite my weaknesses and imperfections you use me to restore God’s kingdom and help others find hope and life in God. You are the hero in my story!
Confidence. Not self-confidence – that comes too, but David’s confidence is in the Lord. Like a lion stealing and taking one of his lambs – David sees Goliath as one who dishonours the God of Israel robbing him honour and respect. David is bringing honour to God and that is the source of his confidence – and he properly says so.. Only distraction for me is the reward- David’s asks twice. I ask myself – am I a follower of Christ because I get a reward – or is it because Christ enables me to follow him – it’s not the reward that counts – it’s the privilege of walking in confidence with Christ and living a purpose driven life!
Lord if you are with us, then who can stand against us? Thank you for David and that we can learn what to do, and what not to do.
Born to serve – a servant of the King.
Not my will but His be done. I am not my own but belong to my Lord and Saviour. It is in His power I meet the challenges of this day. It is He who makes me strong and capable to live for Jesus this day. Help me to be an instrument of Your peace Lord.
Make me a servant
Humble and meek
Lord let me lift up
Those who are weak
And may the prayer
Of my heart always be
Make me a servant
Make me a servant
Make me a servant today