I Samuel 17:1-37 - The Threat of Goliath

I Samuel 17:1-37

Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philstine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (verse 26)

Message: The Threat of Goliath

Time: This book is a biography of Samuel's life and career up to his death. It took place over a period of about 110 years, stretching from the closing days of the judges, when Samuel was born (ca. 1120 BC) through the death of Saul (1011 BC).

What the Lord is Saying: Saul is still king over Israel with David residing in his court. Chapter 17 begins with the word that the Philistines have gathered for battle. [Found this great map here showing the place where the Philistines have gathered - Socoh which is in Judah, below Jerusalem (which resides in the tribe of Benjamin)]. Philistines camped on one side of the mountain and Israel on the other mountain side with a valley in between (v.1-3). 

Enter Goliath, about 9 feet 9 inches tall and had armor weighing 125 pounds. He had on shin guards and a javelin (v.4-7). 

Goliath stands and announces himself as the Philistine and asks Israel for a man to come to him. A fight is offered with the winner becoming servants of the other (v. 8-10). Israel was afraid (v.11). 

In the next 8 verses an overview of David and Jesse is given. Jesse had 8 sons and lives in Bethlehem (15 miles to Socoh, the place of battle so probably a days journey). "David went back and forth from Saul (in Socoh) to tend his father's flock at Bethlehem (verse 15)." David isn't even thought to be included in the battle but Jesse's other sons are present. Jesse instructs David to bring food to the camp for his brothers. 

The next 6 verses (v.20-25) David arrives and heads to the battle line to greet his brothers. Goliath speaks again the words he spoke before and David hears them. Men of Israel tell David that whoever defeats this man will be extremely honored and respected and receive the king's daughter. David responds in verse 26, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?" David is marveled that anyone would have that audacity to think they could defeat anyone represented by the Living God. 

From the moment David arrives throughout all of the conversations he has confidence in himself, his experience as a fighter, recalling when he fought a lion taken a lamb from his flock. He used his bare hands. It is in David's words (verse 32) that reflects his confidence, "Let no man's heart fail on account of him."  He tells Saul that he is able to fight the Philistine and Saul says to him in verse 37, "Go, and may the Lord be with you." 

Verse 26 are the first recorded words of David. And his words declare his confidence in God. Previously, it is God that has chosen David without any words or works shown by David. But when David does speak he proclaims his confidence in God. His first description is a man after God's own heart. He is the unlikely hero. 

As I have studied Saul, he seems like an everyday leader. On the surface there isn't much wrong with him, but Samuel does reflect him as being not too confident in God and having to be reminded to look to God for help and guidance. Contrast is David who is chosen by God and immediately reflects confidence in God. Saul was not anti-God by any means. He tried to please God, but perhaps his pleasing was more defined by himself. 

Summary: The Philistines have come to do battle and Goliath challenges anyone to fight him with the winner resulting in those people serving the other. David in coming to provide food for his brothers declares confidence that he can defeat Goliath because of God. 

Promise: God can deliver us from His enemies and we need to have complete confidence in Him alone. 

Prayer: God, you choose your workers and You have clearly chosen some for your purposes while others do not work for your glory completely and yet you sill can work through their lives for your good purpose. I think all people hope that they would be on your side. I pray that I am like a David, chosen by You, after your own heart, reflecting You. Be the strength in my life. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 18:12-18 - Taken to the High Priest

John 18:12-18

12 So the [Roman] cohort, and the commander, and the officers of the Jews, arrested Jesus and bound him, 13 and led Him to Annas first; for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 Now Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the people. 15 And Simon Peter was following Jesus, and [so] was another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered with Jesus into the court of the high priest, 16 but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and brought in Peter. 17 The slave-girl therefore who kept the door said to Peter, "you are not also [one] of this man's disciples, are you? He said, "I am not." 18 Now the slaves and the officers were standing [there], having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming themselves, and Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. 

Message: Taken to the High Priest

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)." 

What the Lord is Saying: Jesus heads to a garden and Judas leads Roman/Jewish officials to Jesus in the garden, then they fall down to the ground and Jesus surrenders to be arrested. Peter thinks he is coming to Jesus' rescue, though most likely outnumbered, in pulling out his dagger to cut off a high priest's servants ear, but Jesus tells him to back down, as He is to drink the Cup (of wrath) the Father has for him. 

Now the description of Jesus' formal arrest occurs. He is taken to Annas, father-in-law to Caiaphas, the high priest at that time. Annas however was high priest prior and as the patriarch of the priestly family, probably was seen by many as still holding the title. Caiaphas had emphasized that Jesus should die. Peter followed along with another disciple (probably John because entrance to the courtyard signified wealth and John had it from his family).  But given the opportunity he denied being a disciple. Peter made out to be one of the boys, warming himself with the high priests at the fire. And yet this denial was predicted by Jesus, reminding us that Jesus knows all things. 

I am not sure I see much else from this passage really. 

Summary: Jesus is taken to Annas, but it seem Caiaphas really conducts the arrest proceedings. Peter and John follow though Peter denies being a follower of Jesus. 

Promise: I trust in Jesus for He knows what is ahead of me, but I remain responsible and choose wisely. 

Prayer: Lord, as I think of this passage and your arrest for my sins that You will pay for. I hope that I will not be one of the crowd, denying you when given the opportunity. I ask that I would have the courage to stand up for what I believe and announce You before others and yet I know many times I have not. And sometimes hide, but I pray for boldness and that I would display to others the person I am with You and the one You have called me to be. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.

John 5:9b-14 - The Lame Man's Greater Need

John 5:9b-14

Now it was the Sabbath on that day. Therefore the Jews were saying to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath, and it is not permissible for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "He who made me well was the one who said to me, "Take up your pallet and walk." They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, "Take up, your pallet, and walk?" But he who was healed did not know who it was; for Jesus had slipped away while there was a crowd in that place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse may befall you."

Message: The Lame Man's Greater Need

Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."

What the Lord is Saying: The next set of verses transition to the Jews. After the lame man has been healed, the Jews criticize him for carrying his pallet, despite the fact that Jesus had told him to, "Take up your pallet and walk." The Jews ask who the man is but the lame man that was healed doesn't know. Later, Jesus finds the man in the temple and tells him now that he is well, do not sin anymore so that nothing worse befalls him. 

Sin is worse than being unable to walk properly. Sin is worse than any other human ailment. Jesus did heal the man and in the process took away from the man what the man thought was his biggest problem. 

Is not this our same problem still today? That is, what we think is our biggest problem is not our biggest problem. Following the pandemic and through the COVID pandemic, it because even clearer that our biggest problem people think they have is their health. It is true that health is focused on life and death on this earth and yet our response to sin or rather how Jesus has died for sin is the biggest issue of the day for it determines where our eternal life will be. 

Even prior to the pandemic I saw this continually emphasized in our prayer circles at church, in that what we brought to the Lord in our prayer requests was most often health related matters. I always thought we were like the lame man, thinking this is what is most important. Maybe because as people, this is the only thing in our lives that we feel we don't have control. And so when COVID hit, and life because so fragile, we proceeded to do at whatever level of person inconvenience - preserve our health. 

And yet Jesus says to the lame man and to me -- "do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse may befall you." Our greatest need is to turn from sin, believe in Jesus and move to living each day for Him. 

I've struggled with this - that is - taking something that has been valued greatly in my life and then seeing that something is more important and then wondering how I am to view that which was previously more important. Like what is our response to COVID or any sickness once we establish that sin is more important? I mean, Jesus healed the man. He wanted to give the man something that was important to him. But we must never lose sight in the fact that sin and dealing with sin is most important. 

We still don't know if this man, that Jesus healed, ever became a saved man. He blamed Jesus for having to carry his mat/pallet.  

Summary: Jesus tells the lame man, after he has healed him, that still his greatest problem remains - sin and how the man responds to it. 

Promise: From Tabletalk, "Our sovereign God may choose to intervene and bring about an unexpected physical healing. It is good and right to pray for Him to do so. Yet we must never forget that people need spiritual restoration far more than they need physical healing. As we minister to others inside and outside the church, let us not fail to call people to faith and repentance."

Prayer: Lord, I love this scripture and its application. It is my heart cry that we would value supremely what you value and that would be our focus always. May sinners be founds saved from the wrath to come and sealed with God for eternity. Lord, help me to make this my greatest focus with people. I'm thankful to hear of Bill who took a moment to do this with an employee at Target. I'm reminded of Dion Lear who had a pen with a simple gospel message that he shared often with others. What's holding me back Lord? 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's. 

Jesus Calling: March 30

    I am taking care of you. Trust Me at all times. Trust Me in all circumstances. Trust Me with all your heart. When you are weary and everything seems to be going wrong, you can still utter these four words: "I trust You, Jesus." By doing so, you release matters into My control, and you fall back into the security of My everlasting arms. 
    Before you arise from your bed in the morning, I have already arranged the events of your day. Every day provides many opportunities for you to learn My ways and grow closer to Me. Signs of My Presence brighten even the dullest day when you have eyes that really see. Search for Me as for hidden treasure. I will be found by you. 

Proverbs 3:5
English Standard Version (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.

Thought: These words challenge believers to put more confidence in God's ability than in their own, to not try to analyze and figure out every detail themselves, but to place their belief in God's wisdom, love and strength; to lean on God instead of relying on themselves or anyone else.

Deuteronomy 33:27
English Standard Version (ESV)

The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
And he thrust out the enemy before you
and said, ‘Destroy.’

Thought: As we learn to depend upon the eternal God, we discover that His everlasting arms are never exhausted. His everlasting arms are always sufficient for our unknown future and unfathomable present needs.
 
Jeremiah 29:13-14
English Standard Version (ESV)
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

Thought: Searching for God with all your heart is intimately connected with honoring, examining and obeying His Word.

My Prayer
Thank You for knowing my days. Thank You for knowing me so well Lord. Lord, I go to doctor's because I want them to tell me what is wrong with me. And yet Lord, You remind me that You know everything about me already. Lord, I want to be bold for you throughout the day. Help me to realize that You have ordered my day and there are people in my path that need to know You. Lord, make me the bold one. Help me to start up conversations with people. I pray that my growth in You would come by experience and not simply sitting and reading the Word of God. It is important to read, but it is more important to live it.

Note: The devotion and scriptures are from author Sarah Young. If you haven't already, please purchase the book and support the author.