NEXT TO MY EASY CHAIR
My computer, that I write all my articles on, lies within reach of my old easy chair. Close to the computer is a small smooth stone, a bit larger than a quarter, on which I wrote with a permanent marker, “It only takes one.”
This is a constant reminder to me that it only takes one to bring down the giant, when he shows up to challenge me.
WHY DAVID’S FIVE SMOOTH STONES
If it be asked, why the four extra stones, did not David have faith one would do it? Could it be the others were just in case. That is, just in case his four brother’s showed up, as they did when David was old. The Bible indicates Goliath possibly had four other brothers (1Sam.17; 2Sam.21; 1Chr.20). In one place one is referred to as his son, in another, all were called his brothers. Discrepancy? No! Each were by his mother, thereby, brothers. The only answer in reference to the son is that he was by incest (common then, as today), making him also his brother.
CONFIDENCE IN GOD AND GIFT
David shows he had faith in God but also confidence in His gift. Saul’s tribe, the Benjamites, were naturally gifted with the sling; David’s was God gifted. David had confidence in his gift thereby enabling him to use it effectively. Each of us has his or her own spiritual gift, but not all are effective with it. The reason being, our gifts must be honed, like other things in life. God’s gifts to us are perfect. But, because we are not, we must constantly be perfecting them. Example, “Perfecting holiness.” Like playing a piano, or preaching, you must work at it. David did not hit the mark, I’m sure, the first time he slung his sling. Find your God-given-gift, then give to it your time.
“And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.”
(3rd verse in A MIGHTY FORTRESS)
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Excellent!! PTL