DCLM Higher Everyday 9 January 2024 — David Defeats Goliath
Topic: David Defeats Goliath
Text: 1 Samuel 17:40-50
40And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
42And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance.
43And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.
44And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.
45Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
46This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.
47And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’S, and he will give you into our hands.
48And 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.
49And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
50So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.
Key Verse: “So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David” (1 Samuel 17:50)
Message
In 1400s, Joan of Arc was convinced that God called her to lead the French army against the English. With all boldness and courage, the then 17-year-old girl inspired her army in battle by wielding her banner and leading the army in a miraculous victory at Orleans that repulsed an English attempt to conquer France during the Hundred Years’ War. The Lord is very much in need of valiant youths who could stand in the gap to rescue the perishing youths across the globe.
Who would have ever thought that little David could bring down Goliath, the giant! David came with confidence in the Almighty God. With a stone and a sling, God gave him victory. He was able to achieve that feat because he trusted in God. David knew that he was in the center of the will of God and would be supported by God who is faithful to deliver His children in times of trouble. Young people can overcome great giants and achieve unparalleled feat with the Almighty on their side if they are born again and courageous like David.
Quote: God gave him victory
Challenge: Achieve unparalleled feat with the Almighty.
Prayer for today: Oh God, grant me unimaginable victory in Jesus’ name
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
