June 24 | 1 Samuel 18:1-5

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DAILY READING

1 Samuel 18:1-5

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REFLECTION

Friend to the Giant Slayer

By Pam Mann

After slaying Goliath, David is everybody’s hero in Israel. Maybe our modern world equivalent of this fandom is how a hometown welcomes its first Olympic gold medalist. Or maybe it’s like how people from Wapakoneta felt about Neil Armstrong after his moonwalk.

This passage, however, is not about general popularity or the adoration of crowds. This is about the private awe and personal affection which the crown prince feels for the brave delivery guy who saved his nation. Imagine Jonathan’s emotions during David’s face-off with Goliath.  Jonathan is himself a passionate patriot and fearless warrior, in addition to being the crown prince by birthright. Jonathan must have seen in David a kindred spirit.

Perhaps previously Jonathan knew David only as the local talent whose musical instruments and voice soothed Saul’s troubled spirit. Witnessing David’s unforgettable stand that day against Goliath, Jonathan saw in his new friend even greater skill than his musical prowess. Consider what Jonathan saw in David on that harrowing day. What did it take for the shepherd boy to take down the roaring giant? It took exact timing, perfect aim, and explosive strength with his sling, plus deep calm in the moment of the confrontation. These assets David had acquired during long, boring hours as he minded his father’s sheep. But, these talents would have remained dormant that day if they had not been ignited by David’s righteous outrage over the Philistine’s maligning the Lord God and His people. It was David’s passion for Yahweh and His people that fueled David’s courage to slaughter the slandering giant.

Such zeal for God enthralls us. Jonathan was so enthralled by David’s heart for God that he gave him his royal robes and all his weaponry. And he made a covenant with him…friends forever. Of course, later, Saul will be greatly irritated with Jonathan for his loyalty to David, but, in this passage, for the time being, Saul also has rewarded David with a high rank in the army.

Dark days lie ahead for all three Israelite leaders: David, Jonathan, and Saul. Each man will deal differently with the darkness that God allows into his life. Sadly, Saul will lack the heart for God which David and Jonathan have. Also, he will never have the close friendship which Jonathan and David have with each other.

Dark days inevitably come to us all. How will we deal with our dark days?

PRAYER

Lord God of Hosts, grant us Jonathan’s wisdom to embrace and befriend the kindred spirits whom You put into our lives. Empower us to encourage one another with sincere commitment and support. Nurture in us together a growing trust that You can slay giants.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PAM MANN

I first joined UALC when my husband (then my fiancé) and I were college students involved in youth ministry. God has used UALC to nurture our family’s faith, even in our years outside the U.S. I’ve participated in UALC ministries with kids, art, prayer, exercise, ESL, and Bible teaching. I do all the fun church things.

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June 23 | 1 Samuel 17:50-58

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DAILY READING

1 Samuel 17:50-58 

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REFLECTION

The End of an Unending Battle

By Dave Mann

Today’s text is a summary of the important points that the author wants to be understood about this well-known story from the Old Testament.  After the Exodus, the story of David and Goliath is in the race to be the second-best-known story in the Old Testament.

So, what does the author think is important?

• V. 50 – David killed Goliath without the assistance of his own sword or the sword of King Saul.  Goliath was tall, well-equipped with weapons of war, experienced, and overly confident in himself.  David was short, ill-equipped (only a sling), inexperienced, and confident in the Lord.  The Lord fights for those who trust in him.

  
  

• V. 51 – After Goliath was felled by a stone to the forehead, David used Goliath’s sword to decapitate him.  He held up the head so that all could see – Philistines and Israelites – that the task was complete.  Both the enemies of the Lord and his people need to see the evidence.  When you do what God has called you to do, finish the job.  Sometimes, you may have the opportunity to use the enemy’s weapons against him.

  
  

• V. 52 – When the Philistines saw the severed head, they fled.  When the Israelites saw the head, they ran forward in pursuit.  The example of one person acting with trust in the Lord can be an effective inspiration for many others.

  
  

• V. 54 – David placed Goliath’s head and his weapons in special places.  It is not wrong to keep memorials to remind yourself and others of God’s faithfulness.

  
  

• ]Vv. 55-57 – Saul wanted to know more about David, especially his father.  If you gain success because of God’s work in your life, it is not unusual for you to gain some fame.  People may well seek you out.

  
  

• V. 58 – David’s response to Saul’s inquiries about his family were humble.  David showed honor to his father and King Saul.  “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.”  When we gain notoriety, we should be ready to share humbly and to give God the glory.

The battle between David and Goliath is a microcosm of the world's struggle – God against the so-called “gods” of the world.  Goliath boasted in himself. David boasted in Yahweh.  David was not delivered because he was made of the right stuff, but because he trusted in the right God.

PRAYER

O Lord of the heavenly hosts, thank you for preserving the story of the epic battle between David and Goliath.  Help us to recognize the battles that plague your kingdom here on earth.  Grant us the courage to respond with faith and to obey your call in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of six. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.

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June 22 | Psalm 23:4, 1 Samuel 17:1-11, 32-50

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DAILY READING

Psalm 23:4,

1 Samuel 17:1-11, 32-50

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REFLECTION

By Elaine Pierce 

Comfort in the midst of Conflict

This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head...the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands. (I Samuel 17:46-47).

Do these sound like the words of a person who is confident in his own abilities to be successful? David was a teenager, the youngest son, a lowly shepherd who spent his days protecting his sheep herd from lions and bears. But he had a deep and abiding trust in Yahweh, the God of the Universe. On paper, he was certainly no match for the Philistine giant, Goliath. This match would certainly prove disastrous for the nation of Israel against the powerful Philistines.

We all know how this turned out, don't we? David killed Goliath with one smooth stone, and his reign of terror was over. The words in Psalm 23 certainly resonate in this situation:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 2:4)

So often I fail to remember that God is with me in the midst of fearful times. All of us will experience times of doubt, fear, and loss. When those times come - and they will - let's hold onto David's example. He didn't trust in his own abilities, but he was confident that God would deliver him.

When Shadrach, Meshach and Abendego refused to bow down to worship King Nebuchadnezzar, he was furious. He ordered them thrown into a blazing furnace. What was their response?

O, Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to now, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. (Daniel 3:16-18).

Again, God rescued these brave, faithful men. What trials are your facing? God will be with you. He will comfort you. You may not receive the answer you are hoping for, but he will be with you. May it ever be so.

PRAYER

Lord, so often I take matters into my own hands, thinking that I have the skills and ability to succeed. All I have come from you. Help me each day to seek your face and your comfort, for you long for me to trust you and abide in you. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!

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