David – Strong in the Lord
David grew up as the youngest in a large family. His job was to look after his father’s sheep when they were out grazing. It may not have been the most glamorous job, but David did it with eagerness and joy. If a bear or a lion came, all David could think about was protecting his flock of sheep. But there was something else that was special about David. He had a strong faith in God and he loved God with all his heart. It gave David joy, courage and strength, also when working in the fields.
In Ephesians it says: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10. 6, 10. When wild animals attacked the sheep, David ran towards the lion and the bear in faith and zeal and killed them. God strengthened David because his heart was completely for Him.
God wanted David to be king
At this time, Saul was king in Israel. He failed God, and then God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king. All David’s brothers stood in a row. The prophet wondered who it could be, but the Lord said to him: “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
When David came and the prophet saw him, Samuel knew immediately that it was David who was to be anointed king. But David did not become king immediately after he was anointed; God wanted it to happen in His own time. So David continued faithfully as a shepherd for the sheep.
Be strong in the Lord
War had broken out in Israel. In the enemy army there was a huge giant named Goliath. Everyone was afraid of him, and he mocked and scorned God and the army of Israel.
David heard about this. But he wasn’t scared like the other men. He saw and heard in the Spirit of faith and immediately volunteered for service. The giant would fall in the name of the Lord God of hosts, and there was no doubt in his heart. In prophetic spirit, he could face the giant and testify in advance of an awesome victory. David defeated Goliath, and the army of the enemy fled.
David was not a special man because of his muscles or abilities. He became a hero because he had a strong faith in God, and a whole heart for God. It is possible to have the same faith and a pure heart even today, right from childhood. Then God will mightily strengthen you. We weren’t fighting a giant, nor a lion or a bear. But we are also fighting against the evil that seeks to cause destruction and strife. And that battle is within ourselves. God wants to strengthen us with His power, just as He did with David. And in that power, we can triumph over the evil we are tempted to. Then we also become a hero where we are.
Animated film: The story of David and Goliath
In the animated film, we meet the prophet Samuel who is on his way to Bethlehem to meet Jesse. God wanted Samuel to anoint one of Jesse’s sons to be king of Israel. Samuel looked at all the strong young men, but God had not chosen any of them to be king. Then David came home from the pasture with a lamb. Then God said to Samuel: “Anoint him; for this is the one!”
No one was told what Samuel had done in Bethlehem. When the time was right, God would replace the present king, Saul. But until that time came, David continued to be a shepherd boy with his father.
Sometimes David brought food to his brothers who were soldiers in the king’s army. One day, something happened that would change everything. A giant from the Philistine army began to mock the God of Israel and their army. All the soldiers were afraid of Goliath, but David was not afraid.
“I will fight! God will help me against that Philistine!” said David.
In the video, we see how brave David goes to meet Goliath, and God is with him, so the stone hits exactly where it should.
Songs
AB 351
“Gjetergutten David” (“David the Shepherd Boy”)
AB 36
“When David cared for his father’s herds”
AB 440
“Are you young, or still a child”
Bible verses
“I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.”
Psalm 119:30
“Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”
2 Chronicles 16:9 16, 9
“Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
Ephesians 6:10 6, 10.
“I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.”
Acts 13:22 13, 22.
Questions for discussion
What kind of weapon did David have?
Why did David have the courage to fight Goliath?
Why was David anointed king?
