ODJ: david and the dwarf
January 16, 2011
I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! (v.36).
READ: 1 Samuel 17:1-37,45-47
The towering enemy strides into the Valley of Elah. He stands more than 9 feet tall, with shining armor made of several hundred small bronze plates that glimmer in the sunlight. His spear is several inches thick, with a 15-pound spearhead (1 Samuel 17:7). It’s wrapped with cords so it can be thrown farther and more accurately through the air. Goliath looks—and feels—invincible. By contrast, Saul and his army have no iron weapons. They have no tall champion—except Saul. But he too is cowering at the rear of the lines in fear. No one will fight the giant. Then a ruddy shepherd boy walks up. He’s the youngest in his family and he lacks any form of military experience. Yet, he offers to fight the bigger-than-life enemy. Goliath looks and acts like a giant. But in contrast to the living God, David knows the monstrous man is a dwarf. He has the right view of God and the right view of his situation. The Israelites see Goliath as unconquerable (v.25), but David sees him as a pagan Philistine who is defying the armies of the living God (v.26). So David walks toward Goliath in shepherd’s clothes, armed with only his shepherd’s staf and sling. His confidence isn’t in what he has but in who is with him. He says, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defed” (v.45). We can have that same confidence in God and His power. We can be courageous in living boldly for Jesus in a non-Christian world. With His help, we can face any foes—for they’re all dwarfed by our great God! —Poh Fang Chia
What are the “giants” that may hinder you from living out your Christian faith? How does remembering who God is strengthen your courage today?
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