The Difference - May 19 Readings: 1 Samuel 17, John 4:1–19, Psalm 64:5–10, Proverbs 13:1

Links to May 19 Readings: 1 Samuel 17, John 4:1–19, Psalm 64:5–10, Proverbs 13:1

David brought supplies from his father to his brothers who were camped with Israel at Ephes-Dammim, facing the Philistines. When he walked into camp, he saw what was causing everyone else to cower in fear - Goliath, the giant from Gath. He defied the Israelites with words of derision and no one could find the courage to face him.

David entered the camp and was incensed that this Philistine was insulting the armies of God. He volunteered and after suffering derision and disdain, he went out to face the gigantic foe and defeated him.

What was the difference between David and the experienced, trained soldiers of Israel? Why did he act when others cowered? Why did he take the challenge when no one else would? It is not that complicated.

The difference between David and everyone else was God! David sought the glory of God and made his decisions on the basis of the belief that Yahweh was the Living God!

When the soldiers saw the giant, they feared for their lives. When David saw him, he feared only for the glory of God.

"Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26)

He was not concerned about himself, but about how this Philistine's insults reflected on the Living God!

Israel's best soldiers cowered because they saw only their own lack of capability compared to Goliath. David assumed that the power of God would go with him to guide and strengthen him.

“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37)

David's absolute confidence in and dependence on God was demonstrated in his words to Goliath himself.

“You come against me with a dagger, spear, and sword, but I come against you in the name of Yahweh of Hosts, the God of Israel’s armies—you have defied Him. Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down, cut your head off, and give the corpses of the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the creatures of the earth. Then all the world will know that Israel has a God, and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s. He will hand you over to us.”

David did not fight in his own power and abilities, but in the name of Yahweh himself. He did not fight to glorify himself or to make himself famous, but to demonstrate to the world that "Israel has a God" and that the God of Israel was awesome an powerful.

The difference? God! David sought God's glory, served God's purposes, and saw God at the center of all things.

Father, you are the Living God. May my life be lived for your glory, your purposes and in the complete knowledge that you are who the Bible says you are and you do what the Bible says you do!