S239P2 – Doing much with little: a sling and a stone

1 Sam. 17:48-50

When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.  And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead.  The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.  So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him.  There was no sword in the hand of David.

All the men of Israel were afraid of Goliath. [v. 24]  We must remember that this was not some surprise encounter with the enemy in a dark alley.  The Israelites and the Philistines had met for battle, and both sides presumably were prepared.  King Saul was there with his men, and those men were there to fight.  Let us consider how they might have approached this battle.  The men with their armor and their weapons and their fearless leader likely felt ready to go.  Then, a giant appeared, and any confidence or courage they had quickly left them.  They felt dismay and fear. [v. 11]  As the scene unfolds, we see four different stories start to take shape, and they all center on the Lord.

What God did here through David was seen through four different lenses.  First, we have the perspective of the Philistines.  They had mocked the Israelites and the God they served, but this would show them how powerful this God and his people were.  Second, we have Israel’s perspective.  This miraculous delivery would be a reminder of God’s works throughout their history and a sign of a greater future deliverance for them.  Third, we have the perspective of Saul, who saw what it looks like to carry God’s favor, which would drive him ultimately to hate David out of jealousy.  Fourth, we have David’s perspective, who would experience what the power and confidence of the Lord can accomplish in a boy without a sword.

Everyone who witnessed what God did that day learned something specific to themselves.  An aspect of God’s character was shown to each of them, and it was for them to decide how to respond to that.  While this story is certainly about David and the Israelites and King Saul and the Philistines, this story is firstly about God.  He used one of the smallest things to bring down one of the largest threats.  In actuality, the sling and the stone are irrelevant.  The mechanism God uses matters not.  It really is the power behind the miracle that is important, because that is what calls us to respond to him.  Father, help us keep our focus not on the method You use to accomplish your will but on the power driving the work.