Confronting Goliaths October 11, 2015

1 Samuel 17:1-53

Vs.32     David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him."

Deuteronomy 20:1     When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.

1 Samuel 16:18     One of the servants answered, "I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the LORD is with him."

Psalm 23:4     Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

David’s short battle with Goliath was more than a fight between Israelites and Philistines. It was a defense of Jehovah’s name against those who doubted His supremacy. As David pointed out, the only way a boy with a sling could defeat a giant warrior like Goliath was by the Lord’s hand. And that’s exactly what happened.

In confronting Goliath, David showed real courage and faith. But we see that what drove him to face the giant was righteous indignation: “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” (1 Sam. 17:26). David believed that someone had to wipe away from Israel the reproach caused by Goliath’s insults. Since no one else would step forward, he volunteered to defend Yahweh’s name.

Modern audiences often read this story merely as a battle scene wherein an inexperienced underdog toppled an ancient superhero. We comfort ourselves that we will probably never have to deal with such a scenario. But the real story is that David stood up for God. Given how our culture scoffs at both the Father and Jesus Christ, believers will certainly spend some time in David’s sandals. The question is whether we will listen to our own flesh and silently remain in fear, or stand and represent God’s name in the way for which He’s called and equipped us.

You don’t need a theology degree to combat those who would mock God. Your “smooth stones” (1 Sam. 17:40) are the truths you have pulled from the Bible. No enemy can win an argument against Scripture. Whatever the outcome seems to be, the battle is the Lord’s, and He gives victory to the faithful.