1 Samuel 17:41-43
45 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. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 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.”
These brutal words might make this an uncomfortable passage for us. It is important to remember that they reveal the difference between our time and the time of David when violence and the struggle for survival were much more immediate than today. Physical conflict was part of life in a way that for us it is not, and so inevitably coloured their outlook, values and faith. The most important aspect, however, is not the brutality or weaponry, but the principle of when we give ourselves to God, he gives himself for us. David acts out of concern for God’s reputation, and knows that as he does so, God will help him. This gives us courage to step out in faith. Perhaps it works the other way as well. Jesus has given himself for us, will we give of ourselves for him?
Lord, help me to live today in light of your love and grace shown towards me, and may I have courage in my deeds, knowing that you ‘fight’ for me.
Leave a Reply