Dispair and Hope
This week we will be studying the story of David and Goliath. I am hopeful that we will be able to pull a variety of ideas from this passage to discuss.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
8He [Goliath] stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, “Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me.
9“If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.”
10Again the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.”
Wow. That sure was a mouthful. Israel comes to defend their land against the Philistines (again), and they are taunted for even showing up! Basically this guy is standing there asking them why the even bothered coming out – after all, they are just going to lose anyway.
Do you ever feel like that?
It doesn’t matter if I try to overcome _____________ (fill in your own blank), it’s bigger than me. It’s more than I can handle. I can try to fight, but I will just end up losing parts of me in the process.
But you show up. You recognize the battle for what it is. Then the taunts really start in. “You can’t do this.” “Don’t you see the opponent over there? They are more powerful than you.” “You are too weak to even enter into battle, why did you even show up?”
Ouch.
But I want to make sure you notice something hiding in the middle of verse 8.
“Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul?”
Um…
Well, not exactly.
After all, they were the children of Israel – servants of GOD, not Saul.
So not only is this guy berating them for even showing up, but he is ignoring God. He is ignoring the fact that he is ragging on God’s chosen people, and thereby dissing God.
Stand back – lightning could strike at any time!
Here is an entire army worth of men who are under the protection of God, and they are letting the physical override the spiritual.
They are trusting their eyes instead of their faith.
This goes on for 40 days – they suffer through this large specimin of a man hurling insults to them day after day after day, and it’s beginning to take it’s toll.
They are discouraged.
They are afraid.
They are hiding from this giant of a man and believing the lies he is cursing them with. Even Saul is cowering before Goliath. He could order someone to go out and fight, but everyone is sure that it would mean certain death for whomever walks into that field.
They are not trusting God to protect them. Instead, they have put their faith in Saul – and he seems terrified. More than that, God has already left him. God has already chosen a new king to replace him because Saul doesn’t trust in Him. Saul trusts only in himself.
When we trust only in ourselves or those around us, we miss out on the blessing that comes through faith. The blessing of God’s peace in the midst of trials, and the chance to lean into His strength and know that we are safe in His very capable hands.
The best part though? Each time we trust in God, our faith grows stronger and we are quicker to trust in Him next time.
And there will be a next time. There always is.
But God is always there.
1 comment
Great thoughts… I was having one of those moments today… boy this “battle” is a tough one… can” I” even get through this… ? but then right here am reminded that “I” can’t get through it, but God can get through it for me… on my behalf… God will walk beside my giant, and fight the battle for me…
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