Friday, April 15, 2011

A Lesson From David and Goliath

Scripture passage that caught my attention today: 1 Samuel 17:48-49 When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.

Observation:
The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Application: This, of course, is the story of David and Goliath. During a trip to Israel a few years ago our tour guide pointed out the place where, tradition says, the battle of David and Goliath may have taken place. Nearby there is also a heap of stones beneath which, again according to ‘tradition,’ the bones of Goliath lay. Whether or not these are the actual places of the battle and/or subsequent burial makes no difference to me. More ‘striking’ (pun intended!:)) is the fact that size and might alone do not necessarily determine who will experience victory and who will experience defeat. The same is true today. While it is true that size in many contexts has its advantages, it also tends to produce, as in the days of old, excessive pride and a corresponding larger target.

Prayer:
Lord, these days it’s easy to identify with David when in fact we often times are more like Goliath. Help us to see the difference and take it to heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: 1 Samuel 17, Psalm 9, and Matthew 2)

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