1 Samuel 17:48-50
Verse 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.
We have finally reach the main event, the battle of the ages. Christians and non-Christians alike refer to this battle regarding various situations from sports arenas to the business world, but is that really the thing we are to take away from the story?
Having chosen his stones David knows the time has come. It would be good for us to remember back to what the shepherd boy had told the king. He was certain he could fight the Lord’s battle because he had protected his sheep. If a lion or bear grabbed one of his sheep he would go and take the lamb from the mouth of the larger animal. David was used to larger opponents.
The giant continues to approach David and so the boy runs to the battle line with his sling in hand. David wastes no time reaching for a stone and places it in the strap of his sling. Using his time tested method he releases it with smooth, calculated motion. Now remember this wasn’t aiming down or across as David was practiced at targeting. Bears of that region are not the giant kind so would have come nowhere near the same height as the Philistine warrior. David was fighting an enemy larger than any he had previously.
David knew that it wasn’t really him that was guiding the stone, God had built the man and so knew the best place for the stone to enter. David was doing the physical work of God’s fighting. It didn’t take more than one stone and the giant toppled forward face to the dirt. God had destroyed His enemy and David had served Him well in doing the grunt work. And God had just proven He was invested in David.
So back to the question we asked earlier, is the image of big guy losing to little guy the message that we should be taking away from this story? While it isn’t a bad analogy, it isn’t all there was to the story. The fact is that it is a better example of what God can do through a man or woman that is fully surrendered to Him and are willing to stand up against those who are making a mockery of His name. We live in a world that is increasingly evil and so we need to be assessing our devotion to defending His name.
Making It Personal
Do you readily stand up in defense of God and His standards? Are there people in your life who you find it harder to stand up for God around? Why is it harder around them?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you ever stood up for a friend that was being made fun of? Why were you willing to stand up for them? Are you willing to stand up for Jesus too?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the reminder that You are there to help us fight the battles that are Yours. When we stand with You, we can be assured that You are giving us the battle through the work of Your hand. In Jesus’ name, amen.