Pastor Bob DuPar
May 15, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

1 Samuel 17:1-18:4; John 8:21-30; Psalm 111:1-10; Proverbs 15:11.

Observation

Goliath was certainly one tough dude! 1 Samuel 17:5 says that his coat of armor weighed 5,000 shekels (that’s 125 lbs!) And, the tip of his spear weighed 600 shekels (15 lbs.) Have you ever tried holding a long pole/shaft with a 15 lb. weight at the end?!

King Saul offered quite the proposition to any potential giant-killers who could dispose of Goliath: wealth, his daughter’s hand in marriage, and tax exempt status for the entire family. Not a bad deal. If you live to enjoy it!

David’s response to Goliath’s challenge is one of the boldest, most beautiful displays of faith and power in the entire Bible. Talking smack against Israel was talking smack against God – their creator. And, David doesn’t say, “If God delivers you into my hand,” he says “when.”

I must be missing a piece of the puzzle though. Why does Saul ask Abner who David is and what family he is from? David has been in Saul’s service, playing the harp for him; and, Saul was very pleased with David and had already requested of Jesse for David to remain in his employ. (1 Samuel 16:22)

Finally, I love Jesus’ answer to the Jews’ question, “Who are you?” Jesus responds, “Just what I have been claiming all along.” (John 8:25) Jesus continued in 8:28, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be.”

Application

Battles are not won with weapons. The battle is the Lord’s. God uses our past experiences to prepare us for present tasks and challenges – no matter how impossible they may appear. We are to respond in faith and trust despite the circumstances or opposition.

Prayer

“God, may I realize more often that I go into battle, clothed in Your power, representing You. May I exercise bold faith like David. May I declare the victory as if it has already been secured.”