I Samuel 17

David and Goliath. One of the favorite stories in the Bible.  I always ask myself the following question when reading and studying the Bible: ‘what is God’s main point of the passage?’ Usually from the main point of any passage there are multiple lessons and applications. But part of uncovering the riches within God’s Word is the joy of reading carefully and thoughtfully, considering the context, noticing the key words and phrases and allowing the main theme to emerge. Many read casually without purposes except to find something that meets their feelings at that moment. This is certainly better than not reading at all, however I believe there should be a higher reverence for the Bible and how we should reflectively approach it.

The Lord is not restrained by numbers and odds

ANYWAY, sorry for the tangent…the story of David and Goliath reminds me of a few chapters earlier when Jonathan approached the Philistine battle-line with only his armor bearer while the Israelite army cowered in fear. At that time, Jonathan said, “perhaps the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few,” 14:6. God is not constrained to succeed by power or might as we perceive power or might. When God wants to show His power and glory, He looks for men and women of great faith that He can use. God does not calculate the odds of His success by how many people are available to Him. He is not restrained by odds which are driven by numbers.  But rather He can do mighty things by a few or by many.  He is just looking for someone with the right heart (not the right might). Like Peter walking on water….do I walk on water (defies odds) by fixing my eyes on Jesus and not notice the storm around me? Or do I take my eyes off Jesus, look at the waves surrounding me and calculate my odds in human terms? Storm + Waves + I’m out of the boat + I’m standing on water = HELP, I’m going to drown.

Overwhelmingly

Here’s the current scenario for David: Goliath is 9 feet tall, seasoned and skilled warrior, fully armored, spear and sword, nicknamed the champion. David is young, no experience as a soldier…vs42 described him as “a youth, and ruddy with a handsome appearance.”  At least he had his looks! How do you calculate the odds? The odds are a million to one against David….BUT GOD is the X factor that changes all the odds!  David a man after God’s heart. In David’s mind, because of his faith in God, the odds were a million to one in his favor. There is no hint of doubt or fear in David. He believes God has prepared him for this feat (more on this tomorrow). But for today, consider Romans 8:31ff “what then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect?  Who will separate us from the love of Christ? But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through HIM who loved us.” Lord, fill me with faith that I may gladly say (even in the face of incredible odds) here I am, send me. Amen!