April 15, 2018: SOAP #3055: 1Samuel 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2

Scripture:  1Samuel (NIV) 17:26 David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

Observation:   David had a different perspective than his brothers and the others in King Saul’s army.  David was just a young man, maybe a little younger than most of the soldiers.  David was small compared to Goliath.  But David was not focused on WHO he was, but WHOSE he was!   Goliath was not defying Saul or Saul’s army. Goliath was not defying David.  He was defying the “armies of the living God!”  Maybe David was too young to be in Saul’s army, but for sure he was in God’s army!  Comparing Goliath to David; Goliath was a sure winner.  Comparing Goliath to The Living God; Goliath was a sure looser!

Application:   When I consider WHO I am, I may not have much reason for courage.  When I consider my history…when I consider how many times I have failed…when I consider my limitations…when I consider my weaknesses, I may not have much reason for courage.  BUT when I consider WHOSE I am—now that is a game changer!  When I consider that I belong to the living God—that changes everything!

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, I approach the problem in my weakness, but I know you are present in your strength.  I approach the broken relationship in my ignorance, but I know you are present in your wisdom.  I approach the need in my lack, but I know you are present and can meet the need with or without money, with or without medicine, with or without the aid of others!   I just cannot approach anything without YOU!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!