1 Samuel 17:40
Observation: Young David didn't root around the gravel at his feet in Saul's camp to find rocks to fling at the giant. These kinds of stones wouldn't fit the pouch of his sling properly and would never fly true. Only stones worn smooth by flowing water would be suitable. These stones, from the cool stream, would have their jagged edges and imperfections worn away, and were the ammunition of choice for the shepherd.
Application: Godly parent, be patient with your children as they grow. Do your part and do not neglect to pray for your sons and daughters, lead them as best you can in righteousness, urge them to trust the Lord for salvation. Do all this and they will still wander, as we all do, to varying degrees. Don't be shocked, but continue your faithful efforts before the Lord on behalf of your children. They must spend time in the waters of life before the needed lessons are learned and their character is honed to the point where they become giant killers.
2 comments:
I like "They must spend time in the waters of life before the needed lessons are learned."
I sometimes wonder what David's time down by the brook must have been like. What was his time with God like? I imagine the intimate prayer and utter reliance on God....though I bet David expressed his fear, too. He sounds brave in the text, but really, Goliath was 9 feet tall. Either way, I bet he learned a few life lessons through the experience, eh?
Can I add an interesting factoid? Maybe you've heard this, but I think it's cool: do you know why David collected 5 stones? Was it because he thought he might miss, so he'd better bring a few extra? Nope. Goliath had four other relatives that were probably giants. See 2 Samuel 21 and 1 Chronicles 20:4-8. They were all descendants of the giant Rephaites (Deut. 2:20). Some say they were Goliath's brothers, but I don't really see that. Anyway, David had five stones to be ready to take on the other four after he took down Goliath. At least that's the theory. Has no bearing on anything but it's kind of neat-o.
I've heard that too! I've hijacked the "5 stones" from Scripture and labeled my sons the 5 stones - often prayed that they would all be giant killers :). ...and indeed, it is interesting to think about David's "formative years"...all that alone time with God...listening and learning.
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