ROOTED - Wednesday, March 4, 2026
1 Samuel 17:26; 45-47
26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
45Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.”
Reflection: David/Goliath
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro
I recognize that the story of David and Goliath was in yesterday’s reading, but I could not skip it! This story is among my favorites. I am sure it is likely the favorite of most Christians. It ranks up there with stories like that of Noah, Jonah, Samson, and the parting of the Red Sea.
The story strikes me as remarkable in many ways. However, it is most relevant to me (and you) because it teaches me something about the nature of good character. David is not merely brave… at least that is not how I read the story. Notice that Goliath is big and strong, and David is confident in his abilities as a sling shooter. But, more importantly, Goliath is taunting God and his army… and David, in his passion for God, will not stand for it. He proclaims, “for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” That, my friends, is not bravery… it is conviction. David is convinced that God is holy, and good, and strong, and able. He is convinced that this amazing God is worth standing up for! He is convinced that this wonderful God is more amazing than this unholy Philistine! In fact, David is offended and confused as to why no one else is standing up to defend God’s name. You see, David is not brave… he is just sold on the fact that God is the best thing ever… and no dirty Philistine is going to bad-mouth his God. So, he confronts Goliath with the conviction that God will preserve and defend his own name, and will, therefore, deliver Goliath into David’s hand. This is a story more about conviction and faith, and less about bravery. It is a story more about God and less about David.
I don’t know about you, but I want to be more like David. I want to be sold on God. I want to defend God’s name and passionately advance his causes, no matter the foe who rises against me. I need more of that passion in my life! Do you?!
Prayer
Lord, help us to be like David… passionate and fierce in your service. Raise up for your army Christians that will go to spiritual battle for your name’s sake!