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"So it was, when the Philistine arose and
came and
drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran
toward the army to meet the Philistine" 1 Sam. 17:48
I had never seen something in this verse until a preacher
mentioned it one day in his sermon. David ran quickly
toward the battle line, but I never saw that David ran.
I don't know about you, but I can just see a few people giving
David advice about the upcoming encounter with Goliath. The
first gentleman probably suggested that David take it slow and
sneak up on the fellow. Good advice that is. Surely if David
were to advance stealthily toward the foe, he could then get
close enough to do some serious damage via stabbing the
giant in the back.
Another more seasoned soldier may have suggested that David
wait for the proper time to attack. What was the hurry? The Israeli
army had waited forty days already. Why rush into matters. It
could be hazardous to David's health.
Saul himself suggested that David prepare himself for battle
by wearing a good coat of arms. And whose would be finer
than Saul's armor? David certainly couldn't proceed into
battle without some kind of protection. Oh, and did David
know how to properly throw a spear? And could he use the
broadsword effectively. This would surely be a major battle.
Perhaps a bit of practice with the equipment would be good.
Another fellow gave perhaps the advice most of us would take.
Run for your life! Run back to your daddy! Sounds good to
me! Who am I to face the giant? What has he done to me?
But, praise God, David had other thoughts. From his experience
as a shepherd, he knew that danger meant destruction. The
sooner he met the enemy, the fewer sheep he would loose.
David was used to rushing into battle. And this battle was
no different. Nor would he take time to study the man. He
already knew the man's weak point. This man was making
fun of David's God “ and God would fight the battle. That was
Goliath's weakness. As for preparation, he needed nothing
more. He had face the lion and the bear head on. He would
meet this beast of a man in the same manner. And the armor?
All he needed was his trusty sling and a few good, round river
stones. That was what he used on the lion. The bear could
not defeat that foe. The God-given projectile brought both of
them to the ground. They would do the same for this giant
of a man.
So David rushed into battle. He swung is sling round and
round building up great speed. Then, at just the right moment,
he released the stone. It arched high overhead and, true to its
mark, struck the giant in his one physically vulnerable spot.
The stone sank deep into the forehead of the foe knocking
him unconscious. With a thud he hit the ground and David
pulled the giant's own sword from its sheath and beheaded
his foe.
Are you cowering behind the rocks in the
presence of your
enemy? Are you waiting for the right moment to attack?
Have you put on someone else's armor and feel that it
just doesn't fit? Have you turned tail and headed for the
ranch house? STOP! Jesus is your right hand. He is your
shield and buckler. He has given you all that you need to
win this battle you face. Now, today, run into the fray for
the victory is yours!
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