"The Life of David": 3 David and Goliath

Focus Passage: 1 Samuel 17:32-51

Fear is the lion that grips our insides and tears them to shreds. It can be the fear of being laid off when the company is struggling. It can be the fear of illness when the doctor sees something on a routine x-ray. It can be the fear that grips us when God asks us to serve in a difficult ministry. Everything may work out right, but fear will make your life hell while you wait to regain life’s balance. Such was the problem for the Jews. Goliath would stand in the valley and taunt them. Their minds knew God was more powerful, but their shaking knees and cowardly hearts had not gotten the message.

• The world challenges God v. 36. The challenge of Goliath was a challenge against God. For forty days, Goliath mocked both the Jews and their God. David was angered that no one took up the challenge and brought honor back to the Lord. The animal in the valley called Goliath cursed God. He judged the God of the Jews to be feeble because the people under Saul had shown themselves to be weak and shaking with fear.

• David has something to prove v. 47 For David, this was a battle for God’s honor. He stands not for himself, but for the honor and glory of the Almighty God. His God is greater than the gods of the Philistines in power and position. After picking up a few stones, David eagerly runs toward Goliath so that God might be glorified. David’s size may be small, but his stature will only emphasize the supremacy of his God in victory. God will not be mocked.

• David’s faith impacts others v. 52. Seeing the giant defeated, the Jews stop their trembling and believe. David’s actions have given them the courage to attack a superior army. Goliath’s demise likewise strikes fear into the hearts of the enemy whose gods had failed them. Both faith and fear are contagious. The faith of David affects both armies and as it teaches every person of the power and superiority of the true God.

David had experienced the power of God as he watched the flocks. It was only a small step for him to believe that the Lord could easily defeat Goliath. Such faith is built little by little in our lives as well. It grows each time we decide to trust the Lord when we are faced with the giants of life. Such faith impacts others as well. Whenever we stand up for the Lord, others notice. They will often follow our lead and be willing to serve. The faith of one person can impact the whole group by unleashing the power of the Lord so that people see that the power of the Lord is greater than the giants that they face. Like David, we want others to see God’s glory and believe instead of shuddering with fear.