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16th June
1 Samuel 17:41–52. David defeats Goliath
- In this reading we see how the young shepherd boy David saved his
nation from their enemies with a sling, a stone and solid faith in the
living God.
- Saul and the Israelite soldiers feared the giant Goliath greatly
– none of them dared to fight with him; but David was not afraid. He
knocked Goliath to the ground and killed him! Why was Saul and his army so
afraid, but David was not? What was the difference between David and the
Israelite army?
- The answer is that David already had a solid faith in God.
This was because when David tended his sheep in the fields and any danger
faced the flock or himself, he would call upon the Lord to protect him and
his flock (v.34-37). David believed in God’s promises, but the
Israelite army needed some convincing. Didn’t they just get it, when
the boy David defeated Goliath!
- For us today, we still have to fight against the bullies and the giants
of our modern world. When all seems at a loss, having a solid faith in what
we believe in, gives us a confidence that is lacking when we doubt, even in
ourselves.
- Jesus says, Do not let your hearts be troubled (John 14:1), and He also
invites us to take everything to him in prayer (John 15:7).
- To consider
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- Who are you most like, David? Or Saul and his soldiers?
- Do you know God personally? Or have you just heard a few things about
him?
- Do you know the word of God so well that it fills your heart with joy?
Or are you only trying to fulfil your religious obligations?
- Do you have a solid faith and a happy relationship with God? Or do you
have a dry relationship?
- Prayer
- Lord God, You are our strength and our guide. Help us in our daily
lives to grow in faith in the way you want us to; and help us to have a
solid faith and a happy relationship with you. We ask this in Jesus’
name. Amen.
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