Goliath's Perspective

April 19, 2021

So the Philistine said to David, “ Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.

~I Samuel 17:43~

We all know the story of Goliath, a giant Philistine who insisted he was "big and bad," that nobody would withstand against his stature. He stood as leader of the Philistines, tall and covered in heavy armor;

"He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. And he had bronze armor on his legs and a bronze javelin between his shoulders. Now the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his iron spearhead weighed six hundred shekels; and a shield-bearer went before him." (I Samuel 17:5‭-‬7)

Goliath insisted he had everything he could need to defeat anyone who fought against him. He was filled with pride and he answered to false gods. As we take a look at the perspective of Goliath, we can see what not to be like. We can focus on how not to act, talk and carry ourselves if we really want to serve God.

"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall."

(Proverbs 16:18)

We know the ending to Goliath's story, did he? No he had no clue that his naturally strong stature was not enough to defeat God. This is a lesson for us who believe we can walk on our own, fight on our own and to those who look to natural solutions and strengths. Truely apart from God we can do nothing. David who was a small boy, so small that Goliath laughed thinking David was just plain crazy. Goliath still took on the challenge because frankly his heart was cold and hardened. He lacked any type of mercy or compassion. He wanted to be noticed even if it meant killing a young boy to get that. "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

(Hebrews 4:16)

David came boldly to the throne of God's grace, he carried great faith in God that he never wavered in knowing it was enough to release God's power to defeat this prideful giant in his challenge. Goliath wasnt challenging David. Goliath was challenging God. "And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God." (Luke 4:12)

It is wise to fear God rather to test Him. It will never end right if we do. Are we walking about our life as a Goliath or as a David?

If there is something in us that thinks we too are "big and bad," or that we are most important and can defeat anything on our own; we are walking as a Goliath. If we are trusting in God to fight our battles, holding onto our faith in a way that knows His word releases power and waiting for His glory to be shown; we are walking as a David. Let us take a deep look at the perspective of Goliath and ask God; is this me in anyway? If so, let us also ask Him to strip it out of us and replace our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh. Goliath lost in the end. His cockiness and attempt to fight God's chosen ended abruptly and all around them witnessed the manifest glory of God. God always wins!

"But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

Goliath's pride and hardened heart took his own life. We can laugh at someone who my seem smaller then us, not as smart or that they may be "unprepared," as if we know Who is backing them. If God is backing that person, the battle is already won. "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Psalms 118:6)

When we know God and know His faithfulness we can stand against any Goliath physically and spiritually and the Lord will always win! The Lord wanted us to take a look at the perspective of one who did not turn to God for answers, help, strength or understanding. He wanted us to see what happens when we think we are living on top of the world and nothing can defeat us without God. This perspective was genious to place into the bible so that we may see just how damaging our own way of challenging God's chosen can wind up. Let us not be a Goliath, not even for a minute. Let's pray that we may be more humble towards God. "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time." (I Peter 5:6)

Prayer:

Gracious God, thank you for the perspective of Goliath so that I may see what it is to carry such pride. I know Your mercy and power that backs me is enough to defeat anyone, that without You I cannot. I rely solely on Your strength and ability to move and endure any challenge the enemy may come at me with. Im praising You for victory in all things and knowing in the end You will receive the glory! I am confident in my walk as a David, loving You with all of my heart and knowing I cannot do anything without Your power backing me. I receive all that You have for me Jesus and I give all glory and honor to You for it. In Your Power filled Name I pray, Jesus Christ. Amen.