Lent week4 Wednesday

 David and Goliath 

1 Samuel 17 

12 Now David was the son of an Ephrathite named Jesse, who was from Bethlehem in Judah. Jesse had eight sons, and in Saul’s time he was very old. 13 Jesse’s three oldest sons had followed Saul to the war: The firstborn was Eliab; the second, Abinadab; and the third, Shammah. 14 David was the youngest. The three oldest followed Saul, 15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. 16 For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand. 17 Now Jesse said to his son David, “Take this ephah (d) of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. 18 Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance (e) from them. 19 They are with Saul and all the men of Israel in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines.” 20 Early in the morning David left the flock in the care of a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. He reached the camp as the army was going out to its battle positions, shouting the war cry. 21 Israel and the Philistines were drawing up their lines facing each other. 22 David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines, and asked his brothers how they were.

 Footnotes 

(d) 1 Samuel 17:17 That is, probably about 36 pounds or about 16 kilograms.

(e) 1 Samuel 17:18 Or some token; or some pledge of spoils 

David does not know what lies in front of him. He is obedient. His humble job of tending to the sheep taught him skills that he was soon to put to great use. He is an expert in protecting the sheep from wild animals and is proficient in the use of a sling.

 Prayer for strength and comfort 

I know I am weak, Lord, so I will allow you to carry me through this valley. I struggle to think clearly, so I depend upon your living word to lift me. I feel such darkness around, so I look to your light. I walk with a heavy heart, so I will give you each burden. I wonder if my heart can take the strain, so I rest in your love and peace. I think of a candle to remind me of the warm glow of your hope in dark places. Teach me to be obedient. Amen.