Got Faith?
The Bible says: “Then
said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the
name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into
mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines
this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in
Israel.” 1 Samuel 17:45-46 (KJV)
In 1 Samuel 17 we have the thrilling story of David, the modest
shepherd boy who slew Goliath, the arrogant giant of Gath. The drama of that event so occupies our attention that the spiritual
lessons contained in the more minute details may escape our notice. Today, consider the importance of the expression "five
smooth stones”. Why more than one stone? Wasn’t David a man of faith? Did he doubt that God would give him perfect
timing and aim as he used his trusty sling to take on the enemy of the Lord? Certainly, he needed only a single small pebble
to accomplish his mission. But wait, there were at least four other giants (see 2 Samuel 21:15-22 which many scholars hold
these were brothers of Goliath). They might rally to Goliath’s defense if something went wrong. Perhaps David had prepared
for them. Trusting the Lord implicitly, he chose one stone for the champion of the Philistines and just enough to be ready
for any others if they attacked.
Why did he choose “smooth stones”? Well, you can
shoot much more accurately with the proper ammunition. He had faith, but he also used sanctified common sense. He didn’t
foolishly say, “The Lord is going to do it anyway, so I’ll just pick up any old jagged rocks.” No, he recognized
human responsibility as well as Divine providence and selected shiny, round stones that would speed straight to the mark.
Will you take a stand, by faith today, in our Creator Redeemer?
Daily Chronological Bible Reading: 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5
