Dear Precious Friends,
As we embrace the gift of this day and all God has for us, I pray you are standing firm in your faith despite the news and the appearance of evil in our world. I always share what I need to hear....
I am amazed at the details of this great battle... be sure and read...
The story of David & Goliath is one of the great stories of our faith. It is the story of a powerful soldier, Goliath. He is a giant of a man who is strong and brash. Goliath is described as a “Champion of the Philistines.” They are the dreaded enemies of Israel. Goliath and the Philistines had come to the Valley of Elah, which is only about 15 miles from David’s home outside of Bethlehem. They had a strong army, better equipped than the army of Israel, which was led by King Saul. Things were not looking good for Israel. They were outmatched on this battlefield and there was no better example of that than the great warrior, Goliath.
David was, by no measure, a great warrior. In fact, he had never seen battle, with the exception of protecting his father’s sheep in the wilderness. David was young. So young that he was not even part of the army. David is only near the battle because his father, Jesse, had sent him to deliver supplies to his older brothers and to bring back news about the battle. David was simply a messenger and delivery boy; he was far from a mighty champion.
When David arrived at the Valley of Elah, he found that the army of Israel was in trouble. Fear had seized the camp. There seemed to be no willingness to fight the Philistines, much less take on Goliath.
David simply did not understand why the army was so afraid. He began to speak boldly to the other soldiers and to his brothers. He asked, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26). His words were so strong that news of this young boy found its way to the King. Eventually, David spoke with King Saul and offered to go and fight the great champion. Saul agreed and allowed David to fight.
As David approached the giant, their differences were only highlighted. Goliath was dressed in the finest of armor. His weapons were the best of the day. He was a massive and strong man who towered over anyone, including the young David, who was dressed like a young boy who had been watching sheep the day before. The only physical thing he brought to the battle was his small bag filled with stones and a sling. He brought the mighty hand of God through his faith which was all he needed. Goliath looked at David and shouted, “Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?” (1 Samuel 17:43). He mocked David, but David showed no fear.
David stood before Goliath with the tools he had.
Goliath trusts in his armor. David trusts in his God.
(Prov 16:18) Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
In doing research on this I have never realized the differences between the armor of Goliath and the covering over him... These are opposite of the armor of God!!! So interesting and true!!
EXAMINING GOLIATH’S ARMOR:
DISCERNING GOLIATH’S COVERING
(1 Sam 17:5-7) Please read scripture.
Goliath’s covering is fear (hate). David’s covering is faith (love).
Goliath’s covering is carnal (fleshly, visible – of the world). David’s covering is spiritual (invisible).
Goliath’s universe is centered (focused) on himself. David’s universe is centered (focused) on God.
Goliath’s hedge of protection is his dead armor. David’s hedge of protection is the living Word of God.
Goliath’s brass armor manifests that he is proud of his sin. David’s lack of armor manifests his humility.
The armor of God is what we must cover ourselves with every day to be ready for the battle that lies ahead!!! What a great reminder of truth and don't leave home without your armor!!
(Eph 6:10-20) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles [(trickery): lie in wait] of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand [resist] in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about [to fasten on one's belt /// to bind about] with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
It is easy to see why David took down this giant. David's faith never waivered and he never lost focus of the power of God through faith. May we like David armor up my friends and battle anything coming against us with faith that moves mountains through the power of the Holy Spirit in us.
AMEN!
