1 Samuel 17:32-19:17; Psalm 59; 1 Samuel 19:18-24
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Today in 1 Samuel chapter 17 read about David & Goliath. In verse 45 we read – “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.” How often in our lives today are we like Goliath, where we try to make things work or do things with our own strength or our latest technology? Goliath relied on his strength and sword and spear and javelin – and perhaps we today rely on our intellectual pride and Blackberry and career and money. David simply relied on God. David moved in the name of God. How often do you move in the name of God today? How often do you completely rely on only God today? Can you move beyond relying solely on your “strengths” and “technologies” and instead move and breathe and rely on God in every circumstance in your life? Below is "David Slaying Goliath" by Peter Paul Rubens from the year 1620:
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings titled "David and Goliath" is at this link.
This is a powerful verse in First Samuel 18:14 today: "David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the LORD was with him." I think that is so important to know - David succeeded in all he did because God was with him. And I believe this applies to us today as well. We will succeed in all we do if God is with us. Now - don't get me wrong - when I say succeed, I do not mean "succeed" as the world might define this word. I mean we will succeed spiritually in all we do if we are in a loving and growing and obedient relationship with God the Father through Jesus the Son (who is God). This success might mean that we actually become "poor" in the world's eyes and serve overseas or in our own town in a ministry that won't make us a million. But - if we are living in right relationship with God than we have truly succeeded in life. Nothing else matters. Below's an image of a young David succeeding in saving a lamb from the jaws of a lion and offering up praise to God for the success!
It is great to see Jonathan asking his father Saul to not murder David in First Samuel chapter 19. I read a commentary that said Jonathan had really been won over by David after David killed Goliath. It is thought that perhaps David shared with Saul and Jonathan his faith in God and why he was fearless of Goliath early in chapter 18 or late in chapter 17 (in yesterday's readings), and that Jonathan believed David's faith was true. In any case, we do see in chapter 18 verses 3 & 4 these words: "And Jonathan made a special vow to be David's friend, and he sealed the pact by giving him his robe, tunic, sword, bow, and belt." Jonathan is obviously living up to this pact here in chapter 19. (the images above and below are really from yesterday's readings, but I thought they were both quite good pictures of David - and Jonathan below. Oh, and Goliath too... :)
An image by Gustave Dore is below for First Samuel 18 verses 10 & 11: "The very next day, in fact, a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave like a madman. David began to play the harp, as he did whenever this happened. But Saul, who had a spear in his hand, suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David jumped aside and escaped."
Bible.org's commentary on our First Samuel readings today titled "David Joins Saul's Family" is at this link and commentary titled "David's Divine Deliverance" is at this link.
Worship Video: Today's readings in 1 Samuel about David & Goliath reminded me of Casting Crowns' song "Voice of Truth:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCLFOtBP1KU
Do you believe with God you can defeat "Goliaths" in your life? Click here for the Voice of Truth!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: "David said to the Philistine (Goliath), '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.'" 1 Samuel 17:45,47 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you will not attempt battles against "Goliaths" in your life on your own, but that you will realize the battle is always the LORD's. Pray that you will never trust your technologies over the LORD.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
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