David vs Goliath

( preached by Rahul in Masiha Church on the 16th of August)

1 Samuel 17 – The Background Story - War takes place between the Israelites and Philistines. Saul is king of Israelites, who were camped on 1 mountain and the Philistines were camped at another mountain at Socoh in Judah, a valley (Elah) separating them (the reason why no 1 initiated the attack)

The bible describes Goliath - < 9 feet , a warrior from young age, giant in bodily form, undefeated, well shielded (carrying a protection gear weighing 75+ kgs along with a shield bearer) he is referred to as ‘Champion’ (vs.4) literally means ‘a man between’ He was indeed a man who stood between Israelites and victory. The Israelites were scared of him, he was intimidating and the entire army including King Saul feared the giant (vs.11). He taunted and challenged the Israelites for 40 days, twice a day and no one dared to combat him (vs.16). The Proposal that Goliath suggested (vs. 9): He wanted a 1 on 1 fight to decide for both the armies – ‘Winner takes it all’

David enters the scene…sent by his father (vs.17)…3 of his 7 brothers were in the army. While greeting his brothers, Goliath appears and threatens the Israelites as usual. All the Israelites run, later discussing the reward (great wealth, Son in Law, Tax Exemption) assigned by Saul for the victor who defeats Goliath. 1st obstacle – Eliab – he rebuked David (vs.28) judging his heart. Also made him realize how menial and trivial his job was (caring for the sheep in the desert) we often face opposition or discouragement from our very own, near and dear ones (friends, family, relatives) e.g. Jesus was stopped on his journey to the cross by his close friend Peter (Matt 16:22). Jesus’ family wanted him to focus on His ‘public ministry’ (John 7:4)

We as elderly members, parents, friends and well wishers need to allow our young ones to blossom and grow in God. Avoid being over protective, as God is your shepherd so He is a good Shepherd (John 10:11) to your children too. Let them do exploits for God, encourage them to walk in their ‘walk of faith’ (the mother eagle pushes her young ones out of the nest in order to teach them to fly) Remember, we are called to soar on wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31).

2nd Obstacle – King Saul’s under-estimation of David. King Saul under estimated David because of his age and inexperience. Do not under estimate the power of God. He used Joshua as a warrior when he was young, at a young age God called Samuel; God had a great purpose for Mary and used her for His glory while she was a teenager. Many examples in the Bible, wherein God chose people to glorify Him, irrespective of the age barrier. We need to reinforce our faith in our young ones and encourage them; ‘Experience’ will come with experience.

David’s response – God will rescue me, God who has got me this far, will see me through (Phil 1:6) He trusted not on his strength or ability but on his God. Not by our might or power, but by His Spirit (Zech 4:6) Challenges get bigger in life, but God remains the same, unchanging and faithful. David’s face off with Goliath – Goliath tries to intimidate David (vs.43, 44), but David reiterates his faith in God (vs.45-47). He mentions that the ‘battle belongs to the Lord’ David saw Goliath very differently fromthe others. He saw Goliath with the eyes of faith and the giant now began to see himself as a dog (vs.42). We need to look at challenges and adversities with the eyes of faith, then giants will fall & mountains will drown (Mark 11:23, 24).

The Big Fight - David showed it is not size but faith that matters. (2 Chron32: 7-8) He spoke faith into the situation before tackling it (vs.45-47). David had amazing confidence in God (Deut 1:30, 31). Finally, he killed Goliath with a stone & a sling. God gives us victory in the most unusual manner if we trust in Him.

David’s victory was a victory for all Israelites who received the plunder. Goliath’s challenge was met, winner took it all.

Jesus was David’s descendant and David was a fore shadow of the Messianic king. Satan has all mankind in grip of fear, whether fear of death or sickness or failure or future. We are not independent of sin, rather in bondage to sin and we cannot help 1 another (as helpless as the Israelites). Our king Saul’s (government, religion, people) cannot save us.

But God sent us his one and only son (just as David’s father sent him) Jesus Christ, the true Messiah defeated Satan by dying on the cross for all of us. Jesus’ death on the cross gives us victory though we did not fight the fight, but those who trust in Jesus are victorious. As David fought on behalf of the Israelites, Jesus fought with Satan on behalf of mankind. Jesus’ death paid the penalty for our sins and His resurrection has given us the gift of eternal life. In Jesus, we are victorious, more than conquerors (Rom 8:37), we are victorious over death and sickness and our future is secured in Him. Hence, let’s put our faith in Him.