This famous chapter contains the account of David and Goliath.
“And when the Philistine [Goliath] looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth… And the Philistine said to David, ‘Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?’ And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand… that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.’ ” (v42-42,45-47 abr)
The saddest part of this account is only one (young) man in all of Israel had enough confidence in God, that he would be willing to face Goliath. The professional soldiers, and even Saul himself (who was a fairly large man) were terrified of Goliath, who was still just a man (albeit 9’9″ tall). David saw Goliath for who he really was – an enemy of the Living God, who parts seas and strikes down entire armies with a single word.
David’s brother Eliab was angry and harsh with David for taking an interest in Goliath: “Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, ‘Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.’ ” (v28b) Goliath as well looked upon David with disdain (meaning David was not worthy of respect). Though the Bible doesn’t say so, I’m sure many of the observing soldiers on both sides of the battle probably thought David was either crazy or stupid.
The only person who seemed to believe in David in this account was Saul, who offered David his personal armor (which did not fit properly). Saul, though skeptical I’m sure, believed in David enough to allow him to face Goliath. Saul did not scold or insult David, nor did he questions David’s motives.
I want to encourage us today to equip and encourage our brothers and sisters in their calling from God. Not all of us are called to figuratively ‘fight Goliath’ (eg. head up a ministry, launch a new outreach program, become a missionary to a foreign country, etc). What we can do (in addition to obeying God’s calling in our life) is encourage and equip those who are called to those things by God.
We don’t all have to volunteer in a homeless shelter, but maybe we can support one financially. We don’t all have to travel overseas, but we can support a missionary with funding and/or prayer. We don’t all have to teach a church gathering, but we can support the teachers who do so. I encourage us to support and encourage those around us who are doing the Lord’s work.
Even though Saul wasn’t ready or willing to face Goliath himself, he supported and encouraged David in his calling from God. Let’s be encouragers like Saul, not naysayers (or judges) like David’s brother.
Maybe you are following the Lord’s calling in your life, and you need encouragement. If so, I commend you for your obedience to our Lord and Savior. I pray that His hand of guidance, provision, grace, and protection are upon you, as you seek to do His will.
Father God, our Almighty Lord, Leader, and King, we humbly ask for Your guidance in our lives. May You teach us to be encouragers, to see the best in others, to train and equip them so they may fully obey You. Please teach us to pray for those around us, including our family, friends and leaders, that Your hand of protection, provision and guidance be upon them as they follow You. Father please make us a people of edification, not a people of discouragement. In the name of Jesus, who saw the absolute best in everyone and believed in them when nobody else would, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training