1 SAMUEL 17
I never tire of reading the story of David and Goliath. I try to imagine what it must have been like for the Israelites to watch this nearly-ten-foot-tall giant come out and mock them every day. None of them would go out to fight him—not even their strongest, tallest warrior. Their faith in God was weak, if not non-existent.
Not even the allure of a happy, comfortable life could entice the Israelites to confront Goliath. Saul promised to give immense wealth, a princess in marriage, and exemption from taxes (forever!) to the man who defeated Goliath. That prize package would be at least worth trying for, wouldn’t it? Apparently not.
Then along comes David. And he doesn’t think the prize package is worth trying for, but he does know something that’s worth dying for. And he can’t believe that Israel’s soldiers are cowering in fear when God Almighty is their God: "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" he asked the men standing around him. (vs 26)
David didn’t hesitate. He knew that what was happening wasn’t right, and he was determined to do something about it. His brother tried to send him home, but he wouldn’t listen. Saul tried to dress him up in some heavy armor, but he wouldn’t wear it. In his heart, he knew that if he went against Goliath with trust in God as his weapon, he would prevail.
Of course, we all know that David did prevail. However, even if he hadn’t, God is worth dying for. There is no greater honor in this life than to give ourselves to Him completely—heart, soul, and body. Often, though, we may tend to be more like those Israelites who shrank away from Goliath. When we encounter things or people who disparage God, are we swift to come to His defense, or do we shrink off into the corner?
There is nothing to be afraid of. We can afford to stand up for God. As David said, we know that though He does not save by spear or sword, the battle is His. (vs 47) And no matter what happens to us when we go up against Goliath, we can put our full confidence in Him. He is worthy of our whole heart, our life, and even our death. We can place it all, as David did, in His hands.