The Faith of a Shepherd Boy
David had no business being on the frontlines of battle. He was not of age to join the army, he was not battle worn and only tended to his fathers sheep. But there he was, ordered by his father to check on his brothers and send supplies. Through the the morning air he heard a voice yelling and mocking God, His army and His people. David was offended. “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”(1 Sam 17:26 ESV)
Israel was terrified, they were running away, and Davids brother Eliab was annoyed with his brothers inquiry, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” (Verse 28) All he say was his baby brother who little value in this circumstance. Saul was concerned for this little boy, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” (verse 33)
David did not waiver, he did not let the words of those around him destroy his faith and trust in God.
Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (36–37)
David remembered God and those circumstances from which he was delivered. His faith was “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 ESV) He did not lean on his own understanding, but in all his ways acknowledge God (Proverbs 3:5–6).
In todays world this is a paradigm shift in thinking for a follower of Christ. We are surrounded by messages of self empowerment and self-help. We live in a world that promotes self centeredness for the sake of happiness. But in God’s kingdom he calls his children to lay down all of their lives and all their effort, pick up their cross and follow Christ. With the faith of a 18 year old shepherd boy we are empowered to not only endure this life, but proclaim the greatness of our King. What part of our lives need to be laid down? Where do we need to accept the gift of biblical faith? I pray that God would reveal to us these things in our lives as we continue on in life.
Love Ben//Luke 9:23–34
