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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

Not by Sword or Spear

August 11, 2010

1 Samuel 17:45 & 47
David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. …All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands. (NIV)

Every day, the powerful, nine foot tall giant, Goliath, would stand and mock the army of Israel. He challenged the army of God to send over someone strong enough to beat him in a one-on-one fight to the death. His message was clear. Goliath believed that no one from God’s army was strong enough because they were all weaklings, and their God was a weakling, too.

David, the shepherd boy, heard Goliath make these taunts with his own ears. He was there because his father Jesse had sent him to bring food to his brothers who were serving in the army. David understood that Goliath was not only making fun of the whole Israelite army. He was also making fun of God Himself.

David believed God was strong enough to defeat this giant and volunteered to fight him himself. His brothers and King Saul tried to persuade David not to do such a ridiculous and foolish thing. Even so, God would teach His people an important lesson through this mismatch.

David meets Goliath in battle. As they square off against each other, Goliath curses David and is furious that a mere boy has been sent to fight him. David was no match for Goliath by himself. But that’s the whole point of this thrilling story. Goliath was strong, but his strength was only in himself. David was weak, but his strength was in God. Because David trusted God, he was not afraid when the battle began.

The Bible tells us he ran quickly to the battle line; no misgivings, no second thoughts, no fear at all. The Bible also provides us the graphic details of what happened. The stone hurled from David’s sling flew hard and fast with deadly accuracy. Like a canon shot it hit Goliath right between the eyes and dropped him in an instant.

Wow! When we put our trust in God and in His strength, there is no enemy that can overpower us. Trust in the Lord. He saves those whose strength is in Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the encouragement of Your Word. We are weak, but You are strong. Help us not be afraid, but always put our trust in You. Amen.

Rev. Michael Schempf, Chaplain – WI
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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