Tonight’s family service took the theme ‘Bigger Is Better’ and looked at the story of David and Goliath (1 Sam 17). The children in Sunday School have been studying this story for some weeks and we enjoyed looking at their pictures:
They have also worked hard at making their own Goliath and sang a song about the story which indicated how he was toppled by a stone from David’s sling:
Stephen spoke on this subject too, reminding us of the challenges posed by a 9 foot Goliath:
Normally, the phrase ‘bigger is better’ implies that size and might win the day, and certainly the Israelites were terrified by this Philistine who was openly defiant towards them. He was big, strong and scary! Little wonder that when the Israelites saw him, they all ran from him in great fear. (1 Sam 17:24)
David, too young to be in the army, was outraged by the Philistine’s defiance, however. (1 Sam 17:26) He had confidence in God’s ability to defeat any enemy (1 Sam 17:37) and ultimately won the victory not because he was bigger than Goliath, but because of his confidence and trust in God. Saul wanted David to be someone other than who he was; he wanted to make him bigger and better by making him wear his armour (1 Sam 17:38-39), but David’s victory against the odds reminds us that appearances can be deceptive and spiritual victories are won when we see life with spiritual eyes. In the story, the most powerful one did not actually win, but David – a friend of God who is the all-powerful one – did.
We too often feel weak and inadequate, facing problems that are giants in our eyes. Jesus prayed for our protection (John 17:15) and reminds us that the close relationship we have with Him is the thing that will equip us (John 17:21). David succeeded, just as he was. God is able to take our weaknesses and inadequacies and make us overcomers with Him. All He needs is our willingness.