Father,
Goliath taunted David on the battlefield. He judged David by his outer appearances. David was young and ruddy. Goliath was a seasoned warrior and a powerful man. He was over nine feet tall! A giant! He mocked You and Your people. By all worldly appearances, David would not win that battle.
Yet, David did not judge Goliath by his outer appearances. He knew the wickedness of this man who cursed God and His people. David also knew that his own strength was found in You. He trusted Your power and character. He came to battle in Your name, and he did not bear Your name in vain. Goliath came with weapons of war. David came in Your name. You struck down the Philistine. Then Israel and the Philistines knew that there was a God in Israel.
As we read this familiar account, cause us to remember David’s Lord and Descendant. By worldly appearances the Lord Jesus was not great. He was not rich in the things of this world. He became poor to give His people all spiritual riches. He did not take up a sword. He made clear to Pilate and His followers that His kingdom is not of this world. He battled the sting of sin by dying in our place. He paid the penalty we deserve for sin for us. He crushed Satan’s head.
Give us the wisdom to see that our battles are not as they appear. We do not wrestle against physical enemies. Our battle is a spiritual one. As we face spiritual battles cause us to look to Jesus. Enabled by the Spirit, may we find strength in the Lord. May we take up His armor. May we stand against the trickery of the devil with Jesus’ own armor as our protection. Cause our hearts to look to You in every battle. Cause our mouths to praise You for every victory. May the world know that there is a God in the church of Jesus Christ! May the world know that He alone is God!
In the Savior’s name,
Amen (1 Samuel 17; 1 Samuel 16:7; Exodus 20:7; Psalm 110:1; Matthew 22:41-46; Isaiah 53:2-3; 2 Corinthians 8:9; John 18:36; Isaiah 53:5; Genesis 3:15; Ephesians 6:10-20)
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