David and Goliath

Scripture:

1 Samuel 17:32-51

Quick Summary:

The shepherd boy David kills the giant Goliath with a handful of pebbles and a sling.

The Point:

“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.”

When God is on our side, we can conquer anything!

Questions for Family Time:

                  1.      What was the story today about?

             a.    David and Goliath

                  2.      Who did everyone think would win when David and Goliath battled?

         a.      Goliath

                  3.      Who won?

a.      David

4. How? That seems impossible!

            God was on his side.

Deeper:

While this is a popular story in the Bible, it also has become a symbolic story in our culture of the little guy against the mighty giant. We hear it referred to from everything from sports to legal battles. The idea is pretty simple: When we are fighting for what is right, God will aid us in the battle, because the battle is the Lord’s. It is this idea that keeps us going when we face giants in our live.

Sometimes those giants are corporations or unjust laws. Often times they are more insidious giants. Like the people who gossip about us behind our back or those who manipulate our words and actions that are meant for good. They say we are power hungry or attention seeking when we are just trying to make the world a better place.

What’s interesting in this story is that even though we focus on Goliath as the giant, it wasn’t the only “giant” in David’s way. David’s brother accused him, “I know how conceited you are! And how wicked your heart is! You just came to watch the battle!” In reality, David had come to give him lunch. Then, we hear about King Saul weighing David down with armor to the point he couldn’t move. He was trying to make David look like a traditional warrior, but it paralyzed David.

Nevertheless, none of those men could stop David. His brother didn’t stop him. And the king’s armor was quickly rejected. David knew that no matter what was said about him, or what was put on him, God had already given him all he needed. He had faced lions and bears in his job as a shepherd. God helped him defeat these wild beasts with a staff and a slingshot. So he moved forward, with his sling and rocks, and down the giant in front of him fell.

God has given us what we need to accomplish the work he has set before us as well. It does not mean it will be a clear path. There will still be giants…people who attack our character or people who in good faith weigh us down with things that complicate the job ahead of us. We can stand firm knowing God knows our motivations, and use the tools he has prepared for us. We can slay giants for the glory of God, for the battle is the Lord’s.

Personal Reflection:

               What giants are you facing? What tools has God already placed in your hands to defeat them for the glory of God?