Run!

And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. (1 Samuel 17:48 KJV)

David meeting Goliath is one of the stories children learn early. There are many lessons in it, and we are in error if we ignore them as adults.

The people around David - his brothers, his nation, his king -  had basically given up. They did not see a way to win against an army that produced a giant that bested every man that confronted him. David saw it differently:

And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God? (1 Samuel 17:26 KJV)

David saw a man – one Philistine, not an entire army. He saw this man being disrespecting God, disapproving of God’s people and the army called by His name. He didn’t blame King Saul for being in the battle and he didn’t blame the army for not winning. He blamed Goliath for defying God.

And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. (1 Samuel 17:28 KJV)

I like to think that Eliab was angry because David was asking the question that Eliab should have asked – who is this Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God. But, perhaps Eliab knew the physical limitations of that very army. He forgot the spiritual power available to them.

David’s answer to Eliab comes out of the mouths of siblings today:

And David said, What have I now done? (1 Samuel 17:29 KJV)

That’s not confined to our family relationships, either. These arguments occur between brothers in Christ, too.  One will see that God is being defied and the other speaks of pride and personal naughtiness instead of seeking a spiritual solution.

As Christians, we face a variety of spiritual Goliaths. I’m reminded of a movie teens I know have enjoyed, “Facing Goliath”:

FACING GOLIATH is a story that examines a young man's realization that the strength of a determined heart is far more powerful than any muscular physique.

David not only faced Goliath, he ran toward him – see that first verse again. He was not accompanied by the Israelite army, but he ran toward the Philistine army and the giant that stood in front of it. Do we?

Or, do we run the other way?

When Saul had David brought to him and discussed the situation, he did not believe this youth would do more than die. David gave examples of protecting his flocks against a lion and a bear – but he had one more weapon of strength:

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. (1 Samuel 17:37 KJV)

When we put on the whole armor of God, do we realize that it is all protection – except the word, the sword? In addition to the stones David carried, he also carried God’s promises. He trusted God’s word.

Don’t run away when God’s purpose can be accomplished by our running toward the problem.