Read: 1 Samuel 17, Matthew 6:25-34
This week, we’ll be exploring the faith of King David – a key figure in the Bible. David is most known for his defeat of Goliath (or as my children call him, “Big Giant”), so we’ll explore that today.
As I read this Scripture, I’m struck by how David talks about Goliath. While the entire Israelite army refers to him as “the giant” (vs 25), David consistently refers to him as a “pagan Philistine” (vs 26 and 36). While everyone else is focusing on his size, David is focusing on the inadequacy of Goliath’s pagan (i.e. non-existent!) gods and the all-consuming power of his (our!) God.
The same pattern is evident in the attempt to outfit David with Saul’s armor. Saul is focused on equipping him with worldly (and ineffective) protection, while David has full confidence in the protection of God. David’s full confidence in the sovereignty of God is the source of his deep faith.
In Matthew 6, towards the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commands his followers not to worry about the basic essentials of life (food, water, and clothing). “For the pagans run after these things”, he says.
I like to imagine Jesus taking me by the shoulders sometimes, looking into my eyes, and saying: “YOU ARE NOT A PAGAN”.
As Christians we are called to trust in the promises of the everlasting God, the creator of the heavens and earth, above all else. Rooted in the promises of God and with full awareness of the empty power of the pagan world, David entered battle boldly, with full confidence in God’s deliverance.
As you face your giants today, where is your focus? Are you trusting in the ways of the world or in the power of your God?
