He has heard the threats, just like everyone else. He sees Goliath, all 9 foot plus of him! He is not ignoring the reality of the threat. But he knows Goliath is no match for his God!
![[1] “David & Goliath” by Richey Beckett](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ff6591_40d3e4006ca14d3aaa311dd55ded5d74~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_489,h_652,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/ff6591_40d3e4006ca14d3aaa311dd55ded5d74~mv2.jpg)
1 Samuel 17:32-46
October 20, 2024
Dr. Todd R. Wright
In this sermon series we are asking: what qualifies a person to be a leader?
Stan Mast lists some possible measures for judging those who would lead a nation, or a state, or a church: “Commitment to certain causes? Education or experience? Personal charisma or moral rectitude? Mental acuity or psychological stability? Demonstrated loyalty?”[2]
He then goes on to observe, “Interestingly, and sadly, very few seem to look for the one characteristic that made David Israel’s greatest king — a heart commitment to the living God [exhibited in] a deep trust in the saving power of the God of Scripture.”
Last week we recalled that David was chosen to replace King Saul, not because of his height or appearance, but because God looked upon his heart. This week we see that heart in action.
This is the story everybody knows. And we see its echo everywhere!
As Lynn Miller puts it: “A smaller business takes on a corporate giant... [and we invoke the story of] David and Goliath. An unranked sports team enters the athletic arena against a national championship team... David and Goliath. A handful of protesters halt production at a [multinational] manufacturing facility... David and Goliath.”[3]
In our story the Philistines invade Israel, much as Russia invaded Ukraine, and it is not a fair fight. Goliath champions a nation of mercenaries that wreak havoc from Syria to Egypt, bolstered by iron weapons, the latest in military technology, and Israel trembles in fear. For 40 days the giant taunts the army of God, and they hide in their tents. Until David shows up!
What is a shepherd boy doing at the front lines of a battle?
We’re told his father sent him – to deliver food to his older sons and check on their welfare.
Did you notice that he is still treating him like the runt of the litter, disposable, even though he has been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king?
David doesn’t seem to mind. He is comfortable in his own skin; happy to keep the sheep and serve others. He is not puffed up.
But neither does he shrink from Goliath’s taunts. He has heard worse from his brothers.
In fact, the taunts spur him to act. He trusts that God is more powerful than any giant.
What giants are you facing?
Max Lucado thinks he knows. He writes, “Your Goliath doesn’t carry a sword or shield; he brandishes blades of unemployment, abandonment, abuse, or depression. Your giant doesn’t parade up and down the hills of Elah, he prances through your office, your bedroom, your classroom. He brings bills you can’t pay, grades you can’t make, people you can’t please, whiskey you can’t resist, pornography you can’t refuse, a career you can’t escape, a past you can’t shake, and a future you can’t face. You know the roar of Goliath.”[4]
Does Goliath’s shadow frighten you? Do you worry that you have to face your giants alone? Do you think you have to rely on your own strength, on second-hand armor that doesn’t fit?
David knows better.
He has heard the threats, just like everyone else. He sees Goliath, all 9 foot plus of him! He is not ignoring the reality of the threat. But he knows Goliath is no match for his God!
(Did you notice he is the only one talking about God?)
The God of Israel has saved him from the paw of the lion and the bear and he is confident that God, his God, the God who chose him for his heart, will save him in this fight, too!
Now I don’t blame Goliath for ignoring the power of God. They haven’t been introduced yet. But the real question is why has Israel forgotten the power of their God – the one who rescued them from Egypt; the one who formed them into a people; the one who still guides and protects them?
When God initially chose David, it was still unclear why he was the pick. In this story God’s reason begins to be revealed:
When the rest of Israel, from King Saul, to David’s big brother, Eliab, all the way down to the lowliest soldier quakes before Goliath, David steps forward.
When everyone else forgets the living God, David, the forgotten one, remembers.
When everyone who reads this story focuses on the obvious power of size and muscles and military technology, only David acts based on what power really is.
Sadly, we often seem to have missed that point. We continue to chase after Goliath-style power. As a nation we regularly seek leaders who will carry a big stick and will not be afraid to use it. As a state we seem to be overly impressed by people who have amassed great wealth. As churches we pine after the days when we were bigger and wish to return to a time when we had more influence on society.
David knew better. He knew that Israel’s power was not about weapons or wealth or size. Somehow, out in the wilderness with the sheep he had come to appreciate the power of the one who had created everything the eye could see. He was inspired to be brave in the face of wild animals, and giants; to care for sheep, and others; to dare the impossible because God is always doing mighty deeds with unlikely people. He was transformed into someone who trusted God alone.
David will lose sight of those truths at points in his life, but that is a story for another day.
For now, let us learn from his story, this story, the one where he faced a giant so others might know the power of the living God. Amen
[1] “David & Goliath” by Richey Beckett
[2] Here and following from his reflections on the text for cepreaching.org, 6/20/21
[3] From her reflection on the text for Art & Faith, “Already Equipped”, 6/14/15
[4] From Facing Your Giants, pages 2-3
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