1 Samuel 17 (David and Goliath)
“Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.” On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified…[David said to the Philistine] 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. As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him” 1 Samuel 17: 10-11 and 47-50
As a snowboarder, sometimes I look around at other “grown ups” and I feel like a good for nothin’, lazy, bum. When you realize you can do something that’s so fun and lighthearted, it naturally makes you avoid seriousness, confrontation, responsibility. At least to some extent, right? Now, I could ramble on about how we all need to make sure we balance snowboarding’s fun with real-life and responsibilities–but let’s not do that today. Let’s just be who we are and relate that to the story of David and Goliath. Let’s think about the story from the perspective of David’s comrades. They were terrified of Goliath, and dismayed because none of them could take responsibility and defeat Goliath. They had no hope.
As a “lazy snowboarder”, being in their place would be my worst nightmare. There’s nothing fun or lighthearted about this and it’s wayyyy too serious for me. It’s terrifying. I definitely wouldn’t rise to the challenge and try to take Goliath on (just being honest). But guess what, because of God, there is good news. God worked through David to take responsibility for the people of Israel and accomplish the unimaginable by having the young David slay their worst nightmare and set them free from being enslaved. God designed this story to have David represent Jesus and his comrades represent us. We are free from death! We are saved! And we didn’t have to do a dang thing. Jesus did it all for us! Today, just accept the fact that as a human, you are good for nothin’ when it comes to defeating death, and revel in the good news that Jesus has taken responsibility for you.
CHALLENGE
1) In what ways do you feel you “good for nothing”?
2) In what ways do you actually com in below the standard?
3) Do you trust that God forgives you for your shortcomings? How can you have hope because of what Jesus has done for you?
By Marc Breglio | Scarborough, ME