How David beat Goliath and lessons for Christians
Big dude against little dude. Professional warrior against sheep herder. Five smooth stones against helmet and shield.
Christians love to talk about David and Goliath because it's a clear-cut story with a hero and villian and it's easy to make everything a Goliath -- illness, depression, overeating, etc. (Heck - even this blog is using that theme!)
But remember this is a real story, not an metaphor. Most observers probably thought this shrimp David was going to get his head bashed in. So how did he do it? Here's a short list:
He ran forward.
David took the initiative. Where others ran away, David moved forward. I'm sure this surprised Goliath a little. Of course he didn't care too much whether this curly-haired guy ran or walked. But I think David gained the upper hand because he went on the offensive.
Underestimated weapons.
Five smooth stones and a slingshot? You got to be kidding. But these are the perfect weapons to surprise your opponent. Goliath had a helmet on. He could have ducked or at least become a moving target. But David picked weapons that his opponent underestimated and it cost him his head!
Training.
David wasn't totally unprepared. He did fight lions and bears prior to facing Goliath. He was prepared to a large degree, maybe not on specific gladiator-like moves but he had his schooling nonetheless.
What's it mean for us?
I doubt many Christians will go head-to-head in a death match against a giant more than nine feet tall but upsets do happen in wars and athletic events. The New Yorker had an excellent article about upsets here.
Is there something we can learn without sinking into the usual life cliches about facing our giants head on? Here are some thoughts:
We fight a spiritual fight.
The Bible says the real fight now is a spiritual fight - it's not a fight against flesh and blood. You've got to think about a new game plan in a spiritual warfare against good and evil.
Pick Sides.
David was a man after God's heart, The Bible says. He knew which side he was on. You have to pick a side, too. If you're on God's side, then you have to read the game plan: The Bible.
Size Doesn't Matter.
For the most part, God uses plain, ordinary people to accomplish his mission. There are not a lot of superstars on his team. He might need you!
What do you get from the story of David and Goliath?
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