Five Smooth Stones

It matters little whether you were raised a Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Episcopalian or you are on an agnostic pilgrimage of your own; you know the story from I Samuel.  It is the story of David and Goliath, a favorite Biblical story known for its exciting and fast-paced action plot.  It is know by almost everyone as a classic story of good winning over evil, a young boy’s triumphant victory over a giant ogre; and not least, God’s intervention in human affairs.

About a year ago, my pastor’s sermon was based on the I Samuel text.  It is an exciting story and I’ve heard it many times, but as he read the entire text that Sunday, my mind began taking a detour from the pastor’s focus the moment he read the text, “He….chose five smooth stones from the stream and put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag, and with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.” 

 

Of course, we all know the rest of the story.  David confronts Goliath, fires a stone from his sling and strikes the giant in the forehead.  Goliath falls to the ground either dead or immobilized; David gets Goliath’s sword, cuts off the giant’s head and claims victory for God and the army of Israel.

That day, the phrase “five smooth stones,” caught my attention and I began to wonder why David selected five stones; why not just one stone or maybe three, or even ten?  What other factors were at work that insured David’s victory that day?  As I followed my own thoughts and let the pastor preach his own words, I jotted down five points and personal thoughts in the margin of my bulletin that impressed me.  I recently dug out those notes, polished them a bit and they are the basis for this blog.

First, perhaps David picked up five stones that day because he’d learned that when using his sling, he did not always strike the target with the first stone.  If the first stone did not hit the bull’s eye, he better be ready with additional ammunition for a second or third try.  In David’s case,  if he couldn’t get it in five, it would probably be too late anyway.  I think David had learned that in life, you need to be prepared and ready for more than one try at success.  Don’t give up if your first attempt misses the mark.  Not everything you attempt has life or death consequences as did David’s confrontation with Goliath, but sometimes we give up after only the first attempt.  Should I do any less when facing adversity?

Second, David had experience in confronting threats and enemies using the equipment he was familiar with and comfortable using.  As a Sheppard, he only used his staff and sling in hunting and protecting his sheep.  He had confronted lions and bears in his wilderness experience as a sheep herder and had killed both animals with his sling.  King Saul offered David his own protective heavy armor and weapons, but with their weight and stiffness he quickly opted to discard the armor and stick with his staff and sling.  When faced with adversity or threatening people or situations should I try to emulate the threat, or face adversity using my own skills and equipment?  I think David’s example speaks to the best option.

Third, David had confidence in God’s ability to protect him from the enemy.  He referenced his encounters with the lion and bear, telling King Saul that, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”  David was not facing the giant in his own power and confidence, but in the faith that God would be with him and deliver him from danger.  Should I do anything less than this when I face life’s challenges and dangers?

Fourth, David did not piddle around trying to second-guess what action Goliath would take or perhaps hoping for some other intervention.  After a heated confrontational dialogue between the two, Goliath moved toward David with the deadly intent.  At that point, the scripture says that “David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.”  How many times have I sat wavering, waiting, or procrastinating when I should have been moving forward?  If I believe in God and trust his Holy Spirit to always be with me, why should I wait?  Like David, should I not be moving quickly to confront whatever it is that is blocking my path to a fuller life and dynamic relationship with God?

Finally, even before David slays Goliath, he gives God the praise and credit for victory.  As David ends his heated dialogue with Goliath, he says, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.”   When facing adversity and evil that opposes God’s Kingdom, how often have I failed to understand the concept that for the Christian, the battle is already won?  To actualize victory in my life, God only requires that I take action upon my faith in him.

Nuggets from David & Goliath

·         Be prepared to take more than one shot to succeed in a task.
·         Use your own skills and talents, don’t mimic the other guy.
·         Absolutely believe in God’s power and protection.
·         To experience victory requires action on my part.
·         Give God the praise and credit for victories in life.

 

My apologies to Pastor Gene for taking a mental detour during his sermon,

but his text prompted me to explore the truths in a familiar story  once again.