The Bible Courseනියැදිය

David, the giant and the stones – God’s servant brings victory

Reflect:

We love an underdog story. From Rocky and The Karate Kid to modern films like 1917 and Creed, Hollywood has made a fortune out of the underdog narrative. What if our love for the underdog has been wired into us by God?

The story of the Bible often has God choosing not the strongest, the wisest, or the eldest to carry out his purposes. Instead, he chooses the outsider, the forgotten one, the youngest, even deceivers and doubters. God loves an underdog story, perhaps because the underdog's triumph tells of the might of God.

What’s the story up until now?

Saul was an impressive choice as king – he was the tallest and most handsome man in Israel. But he also had a shadow side. His insecurity and anger only grew during his reign. His inner character did not match his outer strength. So Samuel was told to look for Saul’s replacement. Enter David – the least likely candidate to be king! He was the youngest, and presumably the smallest, of eight brothers in the household of Jesse. Outwardly, he was not impressive. But God, who knows and sees everything, examined David’s heart and found something far more important.

What is the state of Israel and their leader when David arrives on the scene?

David arrived on the scene not for a fight but as a delivery driver! Everything changed, though, when he saw the giant Goliath defying ‘the armies of the living God’ (verse 26). Saul and the Israelites were paralyzed by fear, but David couldn’t stand back and let this go on. He knew God’s glory was at stake.

Despite criticism from his brothers, a doubting king, a mocking enemy, and a lack of armour, David drew his courage from God. He knew the ‘battle is the Lord’s’ (verse 47). So with one smooth stone, he floored the nine-foot giant Goliath, cut off his head, and allowed the rest of Israel’s army to triumph over their enemies. Similarly, like a warrior, Jesus stepped into our battle with the giants of sin, sickness, evil, and death and won the decisive victory for us. What David did for the people of Israel, Jesus has done for the whole world on the cross – his is the greatest underdog story ever.

Respond

Read Romans 8.31–39. Because of Jesus, we really are 'more than conquerors'. Speak these truths over the giants you are facing today.