1 Sam. 17:48

"So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine" 1 Sam. 17:48

I had never seen something in this verse until a visiting preacher mentioned it one day in his sermon. "David ran quickly toward the battle line." I don't know how many times I've preached on this topic, but I never saw that David ran.

I don't know about you, but I can just see a few people giving David advice about the upcoming encounter with Goliath. The first gentleman probably suggested that David take it slow and "sneak up on the fellow." Good advice that is. Surely if David were to advance stealthily toward the foe, he could then get close enough to do some serious damage by stabbing the giant in the back.

Another more seasoned soldier may have suggested that David wait for the proper time to attack. What was the hurry? After all, the Israeli army had waited forty days already. Why rush into matters. It could be hazardous to David's health.

Saul himself suggested that David prepare himself for battle by wearing a good coat of arms. And whose would be finer than Saul's armor? David certainly couldn't proceed into battle without some kind of protection. Oh, and did David know how to properly throw a javelin? And could he use the fighting sword effectively. This would surely be a major battle. Perhaps a bit of practice with the equipment would be good.

Another fellow gave perhaps the advice most of us would take. "Run for your life! Run back to your father!" Sounds good to me! Who am I to face the giant? What has he done to me?

But, praise God, David had other thoughts. From his experience as a shepherd, he knew that danger meant destruction. The sooner he met the enemy, the fewer sheep he would loose. David was used to rushing into battle. And this battle was no different. Nor would he take time to study the man. He already knew the man's weak point. This man was making fun of David's God, and God would fight the battle. That was Goliath's weakness. As for preparation, he needed nothing more. He had face the lion and the bear head on. He would meet this beast of a man in the same manner. And the armor? All he needed was his trusty sling and a few good, round river stones. That was what he used on the lion. The bear could not defeat that foe. The God-given projectile brought both of them to the ground. They would do the same for this giant of a man.

So David rushed into battle. He swung his sling round and round building up great speed. Then, at just the right moment, he released the stone. It arched high overhead and, true to its mark, struck the giant in his one physically vulnerable spot. The stone sank deep into the forehead of the foe knocking him unconscious. With a thud he hit the ground and David pulled the giant's own sword from its sheath and beheaded his foe.

Are you cowering behind the rocks in the presence of your enemy? Are you waiting for the right moment to attack? Have you put on someone else's armor and feel that it just doesn't fit? Have you turned tail and headed for home for your father? STOP! Jesus is your right hand. He is your shield and buckler. He has given you all that you need to win this battle you face. Now, today, run into the fray for the victory is yours! Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.