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14th June
1 Samuel 17:16-31. David arrives and weighs up the problem
- In this reading Goliath the Philistine had challenged the army of
Israel for 40 days, twice a day. Because of his great size and reputation
the Israelis were terrified of him. At this time David, who was the
youngest son of Jesse, was at home caring for his sheep. His father
realised his older sons, who were with the army, were running out of
supplies. Jesse sent out David with fresh food to the army asking him to
check if his brothers were alright.
- David arrived just as Goliath was challenging the army and taunting
them. The men had been talking of the reward Saul had offered to the one
who would kill Goliath. David was furious that the Philistine Goliath would
defy the armies of the living God (v.26). When David’s brother heard
him speaking he chastised David, the younger brother, who should not even
have been on the battlefield.
- David carried on talking to others about this Philistine, and as a
result was brought before Saul. David’s older brothers were not happy
that their younger sibling should show no fear, whilst they themselves
– and indeed Saul and all his soldiers – were afraid.
- What carried David forward was his great faith in the Lord and his
belief that an army fighting with God on their side could not be defeated.
He was surprised that the others in the army did not seem to have this same
confidence.
- To consider
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- David was an ordinary person with extraordinary faith – it was
what helped make him great, so why not us?
- David was not afraid to speak his mind – perhaps sometimes we
should show the same courage.
- Prayer
- Father God, we thank you for David’s independence of mind, and
for his faith. We pray that you will help us to believe that you will do
great things for us, for we believe that you care for each one of us and
want what is good for us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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