Daily Manna

Key Verse

“And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together” (1 Samuel 17:10).

TEXT — 1 Samuel 17:1-11

Message

Between a bully and a tin god, there is little difference. The former erroneously assumes he is above the law and rides roughshod over those he relates with; the latter, also delusionary, ascribes to himself superhuman authority, which from the root of the word, is as weak as tin, a base metal. Both reckon neither with the superior power of God nor with the sensibilities of His creatures.

Goliath exhibited all the traits of a bully: arrogant, condescending, and fully bloated with pride. This Philistine believed he had the world in his pocket as he taunted the army of Israel. “Present a man from your ranks to fight me,” he called out. “If he defeats me,” Goliath boasted, “I and my people would be your servants.” If the contest goes the other way, Israel would be slaves to the Philistine nation. But he crossed the red line when he directly challenged God, the Captain of Israel’s army. “I defy the armies of Israel”.

He challenged the Lord to battle and God used an unprofessional soldier, a shepherd lad to cut down the self- conceited bully with a single stone flung by a sling. Goliath did not live to warn others of the sad tale of what would always befall those who play God or attempt to defy heaven based on their puny power.

All those who arrogantly challenge God by way of opposing His people or His work, making a boast of their power, position, influence and wealth, will definitely receive a disgraceful defeat like Goliath. Believers must not allow themselves to become intimidated by their bragging and pride and so submit to their ungodly demands. Like David, confront the situation by faith in the name of the Lord and see the defeat of God’s enemies.

Thought for the day

Courage is an indispensable attribute of faith.

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• 2 CHRONICLES 30-33 (Read By Alexander Scourby)