Back to (Sunday) School: David + Goliath | Rev. Jennifer Veres-Schrecengost 1 Samuel 17:32-48

you pray with me? Holy and gracious God, you pray with me? Holy and gracious God, great are you and so present and near to great are you and so present and near to great are you and so present and near to us. It's you who has brought us here. us. It's you who has brought us here. us. It's you who has brought us here. It's you who have provided. It's you who It's you who have provided. It's you who It's you who have provided. It's you who have blessed us in abundance and invited have blessed us in abundance and invited have blessed us in abundance and invited us now to be a part of your work. And us now to be a part of your work. And us now to be a part of your work. And now, God, in the silence of this moment, now, God, in the silence of this moment, now, God, in the silence of this moment, would you prepare our hearts and our would you prepare our hearts and our would you prepare our hearts and our minds to hear a word from you today? minds to hear a word from you today? minds to hear a word from you today? speak those words of life and hope and speak those words of life and hope and speak those words of life and hope and truth into us. May the words of my mouth truth into us. May the words of my mouth truth into us. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all of our hearts and the meditations of all of our hearts and the meditations of all of our hearts be pleasing and acceptable in your be pleasing and acceptable in your be pleasing and acceptable in your sight, O Lord, for you are our rock and sight, O Lord, for you are our rock and sight, O Lord, for you are our rock and our redeemer. Amen. our redeemer. Amen. our redeemer. Amen. We are in week two of a new worship We are in week two of a new worship We are in week two of a new worship series, Back to Sunday school, where series, Back to Sunday school, where series, Back to Sunday school, where we're taking a look at those well-known we're taking a look at those well-known we're taking a look at those well-known Bible stories and re-examining them for Bible stories and re-examining them for Bible stories and re-examining them for us in a different season of life. These us in a different season of life. These us in a different season of life. These may be stories that you are very may be stories that you are very may be stories that you are very familiar with if you grew up in the familiar with if you grew up in the familiar with if you grew up in the church and if you are of a certain age. church and if you are of a certain age. church and if you are of a certain age. Perhaps you encountered them through a Perhaps you encountered them through a Perhaps you encountered them through a felt board for the first time or perhaps felt board for the first time or perhaps felt board for the first time or perhaps you heard about them through a you heard about them through a you heard about them through a children's storybook bible or perhaps in children's storybook bible or perhaps in children's storybook bible or perhaps in a really funny or clever animated uh a really funny or clever animated uh a really funny or clever animated uh Bible story cartoon. These are the Bible story cartoon. These are the Bible story cartoon. These are the stories that so many people know. Today stories that so many people know. Today stories that so many people know. Today we are talking about David and Goliath.

we are talking about David and Goliath. we are talking about David and Goliath. And this is, as one Bible scholar And this is, as one Bible scholar And this is, as one Bible scholar describes it, perhaps the most uh the describes it, perhaps the most uh the describes it, perhaps the most uh the the story in all of the Old Testament the story in all of the Old Testament the story in all of the Old Testament that you could most accurately describe that you could most accurately describe that you could most accurately describe as an epic tale. And so I mention that as an epic tale. And so I mention that as an epic tale. And so I mention that because it is a wonderful story and it because it is a wonderful story and it because it is a wonderful story and it is um a really fascinating and um is um a really fascinating and um is um a really fascinating and um thrilling story. It is a long story too. thrilling story. It is a long story too. thrilling story. It is a long story too. And so I want to invite you to settle And so I want to invite you to settle And so I want to invite you to settle down, to settle in, to take a breath, down, to settle in, to take a breath, down, to settle in, to take a breath, and prepare to listen to this reading and prepare to listen to this reading and prepare to listen to this reading from 1st Samuel chapter 17. And if you from 1st Samuel chapter 17. And if you from 1st Samuel chapter 17. And if you like, because it's a longer reading, and like, because it's a longer reading, and like, because it's a longer reading, and because it's so narrative and epic, if because it's so narrative and epic, if because it's so narrative and epic, if you want to close your eyes and kind of you want to close your eyes and kind of you want to close your eyes and kind of imagine the scene as I read, you could imagine the scene as I read, you could imagine the scene as I read, you could do that, too. Of course, if you'd prefer do that, too. Of course, if you'd prefer do that, too. Of course, if you'd prefer to follow along with the words on the to follow along with the words on the to follow along with the words on the screen, you can do that as well. But screen, you can do that as well. But screen, you can do that as well. But here now, this word from 1st Samuel here now, this word from 1st Samuel here now, this word from 1st Samuel chapter 17. chapter 17. chapter 17. Now the Philistines gathered their Now the Philistines gathered their Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. They were gathered at armies for battle. They were gathered at armies for battle. They were gathered at Soo which belongs to Judah and encamped Soo which belongs to Judah and encamped Soo which belongs to Judah and encamped between Soo and Azaka and Ephesamine.

between Soo and Azaka and Ephesamine. between Soo and Azaka and Ephesamine. Saul and the Israelites gathered and Saul and the Israelites gathered and Saul and the Israelites gathered and encamped in the valley of Aah and formed encamped in the valley of Aah and formed encamped in the valley of Aah and formed ranks against the Philistines. The ranks against the Philistines. The ranks against the Philistines. The Philistines stood on the mountain on the Philistines stood on the mountain on the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side and Israel stood on the one side and Israel stood on the one side and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side with a valley mountain on the other side with a valley mountain on the other side with a valley between them. And there came out from between them. And there came out from between them. And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion the camp of the Philistines a champion the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was named Goliath of Gath, whose height was named Goliath of Gath, whose height was four cubits and a span. He had a helmet four cubits and a span. He had a helmet four cubits and a span. He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed of bronze on his head, and he was armed of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of male. The weight of the with a coat of male. The weight of the with a coat of male. The weight of the coat was 5,000 shekels of bronze. He had coat was 5,000 shekels of bronze. He had coat was 5,000 shekels of bronze. He had greavves of bronze on his legs, and a greavves of bronze on his legs, and a greavves of bronze on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his javelin of bronze slung between his javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was shoulders. The shaft of his spear was shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his spear's like a weaver's beam, and his spear's like a weaver's beam, and his spear's head weighed 600 shekels of iron, and head weighed 600 shekels of iron, and head weighed 600 shekels of iron, and his shieldbearer went before him. Now, I his shieldbearer went before him. Now, I his shieldbearer went before him. Now, I saved you all the trouble of doing some saved you all the trouble of doing some saved you all the trouble of doing some math conversions. And if you're math conversions. And if you're math conversions. And if you're wondering, according to Bible scholars, wondering, according to Bible scholars, wondering, according to Bible scholars, Goliath was either somewhere between 6 Goliath was either somewhere between 6 Goliath was either somewhere between 6 feet, 7 feet to 10 feet tall. And the feet, 7 feet to 10 feet tall. And the feet, 7 feet to 10 feet tall. And the armor that he's described as wearing armor that he's described as wearing armor that he's described as wearing would be like a 30 lb helmet. The would be like a 30 lb helmet. The would be like a 30 lb helmet. The breastplate or the chain mail that he breastplate or the chain mail that he breastplate or the chain mail that he wore probably weighed 150 lbs. And his wore probably weighed 150 lbs. And his wore probably weighed 150 lbs. And his weaponry was weaponry was weaponry was oversized. Just the the spear and the oversized. Just the the spear and the oversized. Just the the spear and the the javelin that he held would have the javelin that he held would have the javelin that he held would have weighed probably another 30 to 60 lbs.

weighed probably another 30 to 60 lbs. weighed probably another 30 to 60 lbs. Let's continue. Let's continue. Let's continue. Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, "Why have you come out to of Israel, "Why have you come out to of Israel, "Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a draw up for battle? Am I not a draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine? And are you not servants of Philistine? And are you not servants of Philistine? And are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. If he is able let him come down to me. If he is able let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we to fight with me and kill me, then we to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail will be your servants. But if I prevail will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall against him and kill him, then you shall against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us." And the be our servants and serve us." And the be our servants and serve us." And the Philistines said, "Today I defy the Philistines said, "Today I defy the Philistines said, "Today I defy the ranks of Israel. Give me a man that we ranks of Israel. Give me a man that we ranks of Israel. Give me a man that we may fight together. When Saul and all may fight together. When Saul and all may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Israel heard these words of the Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and Philistine, they were dismayed and Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. This taunting, this greatly afraid. This taunting, this greatly afraid. This taunting, this challenge went on for something like 40 challenge went on for something like 40 challenge went on for something like 40 days. And in the meantime, we skip over days. And in the meantime, we skip over days. And in the meantime, we skip over this part of the story because the this part of the story because the this part of the story because the reading could have been even longer, but reading could have been even longer, but reading could have been even longer, but it's not. In the meantime, it's not. In the meantime, it's not. In the meantime, David, David, David, some of his brothers are in this army. some of his brothers are in this army. some of his brothers are in this army. David is not in the army, but his father David is not in the army, but his father David is not in the army, but his father sends him to the front line to deliver sends him to the front line to deliver sends him to the front line to deliver some cheese and bread, some grilled some cheese and bread, some grilled some cheese and bread, some grilled cheese to his siblings. And while David cheese to his siblings. And while David cheese to his siblings. And while David is there, not somewhere where he was is there, not somewhere where he was is there, not somewhere where he was supposed to be, he's not enlisted, not supposed to be, he's not enlisted, not supposed to be, he's not enlisted, not part of the army, but while David is part of the army, but while David is part of the army, but while David is there, he witnesses this taunting and there, he witnesses this taunting and there, he witnesses this taunting and this challenge take place.

this challenge take place. this challenge take place. And David said to Saul, And David said to Saul, And David said to Saul, "Let no one's heart fail because of him. "Let no one's heart fail because of him. "Let no one's heart fail because of him. your servant will go and fight with this your servant will go and fight with this your servant will go and fight with this Philistine. Saul said to David, "You are Philistine. Saul said to David, "You are Philistine. Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against the Philistine to not able to go against the Philistine to not able to go against the Philistine to fight with him, for you are just a boy, fight with him, for you are just a boy, fight with him, for you are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his and he has been a warrior from his and he has been a warrior from his youth." But David said to Saul, "Your youth." But David said to Saul, "Your youth." But David said to Saul, "Your servant used to keep sheep for his servant used to keep sheep for his servant used to keep sheep for his father." And whenever a lion or a bear father." And whenever a lion or a bear father." And whenever a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I came and took a lamb from the flock, I came and took a lamb from the flock, I went after it and struck it down, went after it and struck it down, went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth. And if rescuing the lamb from its mouth. And if rescuing the lamb from its mouth. And if it turned against me, I would catch it it turned against me, I would catch it it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed both lions and Your servant has killed both lions and Your servant has killed both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has shall be like one of them, since he has shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God." defied the armies of the living God." defied the armies of the living God." David said, "The Lord who saved me from David said, "The Lord who saved me from David said, "The Lord who saved me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the paw of the lion and from the paw of the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will save me from the hand of the bear will save me from the hand of the bear will save me from the hand of this Philistine." So Saul said to David, this Philistine." So Saul said to David, this Philistine." So Saul said to David, "Go, and may the Lord be with you." Saul "Go, and may the Lord be with you." Saul "Go, and may the Lord be with you." Saul clothed David with his own armor. He put clothed David with his own armor. He put clothed David with his own armor. He put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed a bronze helmet on his head and clothed a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of male. David strapped him with a coat of male. David strapped him with a coat of male. David strapped Saul's sword over the armor, and he Saul's sword over the armor, and he Saul's sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not tried in vain to walk, for he was not tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, used to them. Then David said to Saul, used to them. Then David said to Saul, "I cannot walk with these, for I am not "I cannot walk with these, for I am not "I cannot walk with these, for I am not used to them." So David removed them.

used to them." So David removed them. used to them." So David removed them. Then he took his staff in his hand and Then he took his staff in his hand and Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the river chose five smooth stones from the river chose five smooth stones from the river and put them in his shepherd's bag in and put them in his shepherd's bag in and put them in his shepherd's bag in the pouch. His sling was in his hand, the pouch. His sling was in his hand, the pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine. The and he drew near to the Philistine. The and he drew near to the Philistine. The Philistine came on and drew near to Philistine came on and drew near to Philistine came on and drew near to David with his shieldbearer in front of David with his shieldbearer in front of David with his shieldbearer in front of him. When the Philistine looked and saw him. When the Philistine looked and saw him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only David, he disdained him, for he was only David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy, and handsome in a youth, ruddy, and handsome in a youth, ruddy, and handsome in appearance. The Philistine said to appearance. The Philistine said to appearance. The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog that you come to me David, "Am I a dog that you come to me David, "Am I a dog that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. The Philistines said David by his gods. The Philistines said David by his gods. The Philistines said to David, "Come to me and I will give to David, "Come to me and I will give to David, "Come to me and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and your flesh to the birds of the air and your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field." But to the wild animals of the field." But to the wild animals of the field." But David said to the Philistine, "You come David said to the Philistine, "You come David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with sword and spear and javelin. to me with sword and spear and javelin. to me with sword and spear and javelin. But I come to you in the name of the But I come to you in the name of the But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This very Israel, whom you have defied. This very Israel, whom you have defied. This very day, the Lord will deliver you into my day, the Lord will deliver you into my day, the Lord will deliver you into my hand. And I will strike you down and cut hand. And I will strike you down and cut hand. And I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead off your head. And I will give the dead off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very bodies of the Philistine army this very bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the day to the birds of the air and to the day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth of the earth.

wild animals of the earth of the earth. wild animals of the earth of the earth. So that all the earth may know that So that all the earth may know that So that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel and that all there is a God in Israel and that all there is a God in Israel and that all this assembly may know that the Lord this assembly may know that the Lord this assembly may know that the Lord does not save by sword and spear. For does not save by sword and spear. For does not save by sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's and he will the battle is the Lord's and he will the battle is the Lord's and he will give you into our hand. When the give you into our hand. When the give you into our hand. When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, Philistine drew nearer to meet David, Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line David ran quickly toward the battle line David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his to meet the Philistine. David put his to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his it, and struck the Philistine on his it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down to the forehead, and he fell face down to the forehead, and he fell face down to the ground. So David prevailed over the ground. So David prevailed over the ground. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, Philistine with a sling and a stone, Philistine with a sling and a stone, striking down the Philistine and killing striking down the Philistine and killing striking down the Philistine and killing him. There was no sword in David's hand. him. There was no sword in David's hand. him. There was no sword in David's hand. This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people This is the word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. of God. Thanks be to God. of God. Thanks be to God. Now, as we reckon with this story, as we Now, as we reckon with this story, as we Now, as we reckon with this story, as we think about when we read it and what's think about when we read it and what's think about when we read it and what's going on and why this story matters, we going on and why this story matters, we going on and why this story matters, we find ourselves in this back to school find ourselves in this back to school find ourselves in this back to school season. There are certain signs that the season. There are certain signs that the season. There are certain signs that the summer is officially over. The school summer is officially over. The school summer is officially over. The school supply aisles are empty. Hopefully supply aisles are empty. Hopefully supply aisles are empty. Hopefully because you have cleaned them out and because you have cleaned them out and because you have cleaned them out and brought all of them here for our back to brought all of them here for our back to brought all of them here for our back to school missions donation.

school missions donation. school missions donation. Hopefully that's the reason why I could Hopefully that's the reason why I could Hopefully that's the reason why I could not for the life of me find construction not for the life of me find construction not for the life of me find construction paper or fine tip dry erase markers last paper or fine tip dry erase markers last paper or fine tip dry erase markers last week. week. week. Hopefully Hopefully Hopefully in our back to school missions we have in our back to school missions we have in our back to school missions we have taken up that challenge and met it in a taken up that challenge and met it in a taken up that challenge and met it in a gigantic kind of way. But there's other gigantic kind of way. But there's other gigantic kind of way. But there's other signs that the summer is officially signs that the summer is officially signs that the summer is officially over, too. We get the back to school over, too. We get the back to school over, too. We get the back to school first day of school pictures with new first day of school pictures with new first day of school pictures with new outfits and and carefully chosen outfits and and carefully chosen outfits and and carefully chosen lunchboxes um that have not yet had lunchboxes um that have not yet had lunchboxes um that have not yet had something stay in them over the weekend something stay in them over the weekend something stay in them over the weekend and suffered gravely for it. Um but I and suffered gravely for it. Um but I and suffered gravely for it. Um but I love those back to school pictures with love those back to school pictures with love those back to school pictures with the kids standing on the front porch in the kids standing on the front porch in the kids standing on the front porch in front of the school looking hopeful, front of the school looking hopeful, front of the school looking hopeful, looking maybe a little nervous, um but looking maybe a little nervous, um but looking maybe a little nervous, um but anticipating the year ahead. But the anticipating the year ahead. But the anticipating the year ahead. But the shest sign for me that summer is over shest sign for me that summer is over shest sign for me that summer is over and we are back to school is the return and we are back to school is the return and we are back to school is the return of the dreaded carpool line. of the dreaded carpool line. of the dreaded carpool line. This week at my kids school both morning This week at my kids school both morning This week at my kids school both morning and afternoon pickup and drop off. The and afternoon pickup and drop off. The and afternoon pickup and drop off. The line is forever long. So, while I was line is forever long. So, while I was line is forever long. So, while I was sitting in that forever long car rider sitting in that forever long car rider sitting in that forever long car rider line on Thursday, I decided on a whim, line on Thursday, I decided on a whim, line on Thursday, I decided on a whim, this was the wisdom of the Lord, not this was the wisdom of the Lord, not this was the wisdom of the Lord, not Pastor Jenny, to ask a question to my Pastor Jenny, to ask a question to my Pastor Jenny, to ask a question to my kids. I was thinking ahead of of getting kids. I was thinking ahead of of getting kids. I was thinking ahead of of getting to the office after I finally got to the office after I finally got to the office after I finally got through this line and preparing this through this line and preparing this through this line and preparing this sermon. And so, I asked my boys a sermon. And so, I asked my boys a sermon. And so, I asked my boys a question I had been thinking about all question I had been thinking about all question I had been thinking about all week. What about this story of David and week. What about this story of David and week. What about this story of David and Goliath? What about it is important for

Goliath? What about it is important for Goliath? What about it is important for us to know? Why has this story stood the us to know? Why has this story stood the us to know? Why has this story stood the test of time? Why does it resonate so test of time? Why does it resonate so test of time? Why does it resonate so much with us? And their answers were much with us? And their answers were much with us? And their answers were pretty good. They said that David pretty good. They said that David pretty good. They said that David trusted God, that even someone small can trusted God, that even someone small can trusted God, that even someone small can do big things, and that David saved the do big things, and that David saved the do big things, and that David saved the day. I asked this question to other day. I asked this question to other day. I asked this question to other staff members with kids, and um someone staff members with kids, and um someone staff members with kids, and um someone even put it up on Facebook for me. Ask even put it up on Facebook for me. Ask even put it up on Facebook for me. Ask your kids, what is important about the your kids, what is important about the your kids, what is important about the David and Goliath story? And as a side David and Goliath story? And as a side David and Goliath story? And as a side note, I recommend doing this if you have note, I recommend doing this if you have note, I recommend doing this if you have any kids in your life. It's always great any kids in your life. It's always great any kids in your life. It's always great to hear with their fresh ears and eyes to hear with their fresh ears and eyes to hear with their fresh ears and eyes what about a story matters. You could do what about a story matters. You could do what about a story matters. You could do this with Bible stories. You could do this with Bible stories. You could do this with Bible stories. You could do this with any story that you read with this with any story that you read with this with any story that you read with them. But hearing about what matters, them. But hearing about what matters, them. But hearing about what matters, why is this important? Um is good for why is this important? Um is good for why is this important? Um is good for your soul. And if you don't have a kid your soul. And if you don't have a kid your soul. And if you don't have a kid in your life, this is a plug. You could in your life, this is a plug. You could in your life, this is a plug. You could consider being a lunch buddy at Holly consider being a lunch buddy at Holly consider being a lunch buddy at Holly Brook Elementary. Brook Elementary. Brook Elementary. But anyhow, I love getting their But anyhow, I love getting their But anyhow, I love getting their perspective on this. Other kids from perspective on this. Other kids from perspective on this. Other kids from social media and texts their parents social media and texts their parents social media and texts their parents sent me um identified the important sent me um identified the important sent me um identified the important parts of the story as as that being parts of the story as as that being parts of the story as as that being David saved the day and and that Goliath David saved the day and and that Goliath David saved the day and and that Goliath had all these powerful cool weapons, but had all these powerful cool weapons, but had all these powerful cool weapons, but David defeated him with just a rock from David defeated him with just a rock from David defeated him with just a rock from the river. And I thought, yes, the river. And I thought, yes, the river. And I thought, yes, those are all reasons why this story those are all reasons why this story those are all reasons why this story intrigues us and fascinates us and intrigues us and fascinates us and intrigues us and fascinates us and catches our attention in our ears. Those catches our attention in our ears. Those catches our attention in our ears. Those are all true things about why this story are all true things about why this story are all true things about why this story is important. And there's even more to

is important. And there's even more to is important. And there's even more to this story than we might initially see this story than we might initially see this story than we might initially see on our first reading of it. Because we on our first reading of it. Because we on our first reading of it. Because we love the story of David and Goliath. We love the story of David and Goliath. We love the story of David and Goliath. We love this story because we love an love this story because we love an love this story because we love an underdog. The story, the story arc of underdog. The story, the story arc of underdog. The story, the story arc of David and Goliath has spread beyond the David and Goliath has spread beyond the David and Goliath has spread beyond the pages of scripture and it's in a lot of pages of scripture and it's in a lot of pages of scripture and it's in a lot of our favorite books and movies. We love our favorite books and movies. We love our favorite books and movies. We love Rocky, right? We love Rudy. We love the Rocky, right? We love Rudy. We love the Rocky, right? We love Rudy. We love the Karate Kid. We love Aaron Brochovich. We Karate Kid. We love Aaron Brochovich. We Karate Kid. We love Aaron Brochovich. We love the person who looks like they love the person who looks like they love the person who looks like they don't stand a chance and somehow don't stand a chance and somehow don't stand a chance and somehow discovers that the odds that were discovers that the odds that were discovers that the odds that were stacked against them don't get the final stacked against them don't get the final stacked against them don't get the final word. There's something deeply human in word. There's something deeply human in word. There's something deeply human in us that wants to believe that the little us that wants to believe that the little us that wants to believe that the little guy might just surprise everybody. guy might just surprise everybody. guy might just surprise everybody. And maybe that's why this statue that And maybe that's why this statue that And maybe that's why this statue that was installed in New York City a couple was installed in New York City a couple was installed in New York City a couple of decades ago, Fearless Girl, became so of decades ago, Fearless Girl, became so of decades ago, Fearless Girl, became so compelling when it first appeared. Its compelling when it first appeared. Its compelling when it first appeared. Its first sight of installation was here in first sight of installation was here in first sight of installation was here in front of this older statue of the stock front of this older statue of the stock front of this older statue of the stock market bull, and she was placed right market bull, and she was placed right market bull, and she was placed right there facing down this bull. She's since there facing down this bull. She's since there facing down this bull. She's since moved and now she faces down the stock moved and now she faces down the stock moved and now she faces down the stock exchange. That's another sermon for exchange. That's another sermon for exchange. That's another sermon for another time. But anyhow, there's another time. But anyhow, there's another time. But anyhow, there's something compelling about this statue.

something compelling about this statue. something compelling about this statue. You have this small girl standing with You have this small girl standing with You have this small girl standing with her hands on her hips facing this her hands on her hips facing this her hands on her hips facing this enormous charging bull. It's an image of enormous charging bull. It's an image of enormous charging bull. It's an image of disproportion is what I call it, right? disproportion is what I call it, right? disproportion is what I call it, right? She's small. She's got her hair up in a She's small. She's got her hair up in a She's small. She's got her hair up in a ponytail and wearing an adorable little ponytail and wearing an adorable little ponytail and wearing an adorable little skirt. She is small. The bull is skirt. She is small. The bull is skirt. She is small. The bull is enormous. And we recognize something in enormous. And we recognize something in enormous. And we recognize something in that little figure. We want to believe that little figure. We want to believe that little figure. We want to believe that being small does not mean being that being small does not mean being that being small does not mean being powerless. And we want to believe that powerless. And we want to believe that powerless. And we want to believe that because all of us feel small at times. because all of us feel small at times. because all of us feel small at times. There's Bible scholar Bruce Burch and he There's Bible scholar Bruce Burch and he There's Bible scholar Bruce Burch and he points out that this is part of the points out that this is part of the points out that this is part of the enduring power of the David and Goliath enduring power of the David and Goliath enduring power of the David and Goliath story. It's been a special especially story. It's been a special especially story. It's been a special especially meaningful this story to those who are meaningful this story to those who are meaningful this story to those who are weak or oppressed, those who live on the weak or oppressed, those who live on the weak or oppressed, those who live on the margins, those who are powerless. margins, those who are powerless. margins, those who are powerless. People don't simply cheer for David as People don't simply cheer for David as People don't simply cheer for David as an underdog, but we see ourselves in an underdog, but we see ourselves in an underdog, but we see ourselves in David. And that's important because the David. And that's important because the David. And that's important because the story isn't simply, look, the little guy story isn't simply, look, the little guy story isn't simply, look, the little guy can beat the big guy. I knew it all can beat the big guy. I knew it all can beat the big guy. I knew it all along. But the story asks a deeper along. But the story asks a deeper along. But the story asks a deeper question. What do we do when we find question. What do we do when we find question. What do we do when we find ourselves standing in the valley against ourselves standing in the valley against ourselves standing in the valley against something that seems much bigger, much something that seems much bigger, much something that seems much bigger, much more formidable, more formidable, more formidable, much more much more much more solid and undefeable than we are as a solid and undefeable than we are as a solid and undefeable than we are as a question for every age both in history question for every age both in history question for every age both in history and every age and season of our lives.

and every age and season of our lives. and every age and season of our lives. One chapter before today's story, Samuel One chapter before today's story, Samuel One chapter before today's story, Samuel is sent to Jesse's house to choose is sent to Jesse's house to choose is sent to Jesse's house to choose Israel's future king. And Samuel sees Israel's future king. And Samuel sees Israel's future king. And Samuel sees Jesse's oldest son, Eliab, and he Jesse's oldest son, Eliab, and he Jesse's oldest son, Eliab, and he thinks, "Surely this is the one. He's thinks, "Surely this is the one. He's thinks, "Surely this is the one. He's going to be the king because he's going to be the king because he's going to be the king because he's handsome and tall and muscular and the handsome and tall and muscular and the handsome and tall and muscular and the oldest." But God tells Samuel oldest." But God tells Samuel oldest." But God tells Samuel to have no regard for his appearance or to have no regard for his appearance or to have no regard for his appearance or his stature because God doesn't see and his stature because God doesn't see and his stature because God doesn't see and look at things as humans do. The Lord look at things as humans do. The Lord look at things as humans do. The Lord sees into the heart. We see the outside. sees into the heart. We see the outside. sees into the heart. We see the outside. God sees the heart. God sees the heart. God sees the heart. We see the outside and we see all of the We see the outside and we see all of the We see the outside and we see all of the odds stacked against us and how small we odds stacked against us and how small we odds stacked against us and how small we feel and look compared to the thing that feel and look compared to the thing that feel and look compared to the thing that we're up against. we're up against. we're up against. And this matters the way that God sees. And this matters the way that God sees. And this matters the way that God sees. God sees differently because the world God sees differently because the world God sees differently because the world is very good at telling us what counts. is very good at telling us what counts. is very good at telling us what counts. The world sees the outside. And the The world sees the outside. And the The world sees the outside. And the world tells us bigger is better, world tells us bigger is better, world tells us bigger is better, stronger is better, successful is stronger is better, successful is stronger is better, successful is better, more accomplished is better. We better, more accomplished is better. We better, more accomplished is better. We measure people by what's visible. We do measure people by what's visible. We do measure people by what's visible. We do that to ourselves, too.

that to ourselves, too. that to ourselves, too. We measure ourselves against other We measure ourselves against other We measure ourselves against other people all the time. We look at somebody people all the time. We look at somebody people all the time. We look at somebody else's life and we wonder why ours else's life and we wonder why ours else's life and we wonder why ours doesn't look like that. We look at doesn't look like that. We look at doesn't look like that. We look at someone else's accomplishments and someone else's accomplishments and someone else's accomplishments and relationships and family and house and relationships and family and house and relationships and family and house and career and body and faith life and we career and body and faith life and we career and body and faith life and we wonder whether we're measuring up. Why wonder whether we're measuring up. Why wonder whether we're measuring up. Why does it look so easy for them? But does it look so easy for them? But does it look so easy for them? But David's story begins with this. God is David's story begins with this. God is David's story begins with this. God is not looking at you the way the world not looking at you the way the world not looking at you the way the world looks at you. God sees your heart. God looks at you. God sees your heart. God looks at you. God sees your heart. God sees what is not visible. God sees gifts sees what is not visible. God sees gifts sees what is not visible. God sees gifts that other people might overlook. And that other people might overlook. And that other people might overlook. And God sees possibility that you might not God sees possibility that you might not God sees possibility that you might not yet see. And that's important because yet see. And that's important because yet see. And that's important because David is not the obvious choice. He's David is not the obvious choice. He's David is not the obvious choice. He's the youngest son. He's just a shepherd. the youngest son. He's just a shepherd. the youngest son. He's just a shepherd. He's the one who wasn't even brought in He's the one who wasn't even brought in He's the one who wasn't even brought in from the fields when Samuel came looking from the fields when Samuel came looking from the fields when Samuel came looking at Jesse's sons. But God sees something at Jesse's sons. But God sees something at Jesse's sons. But God sees something that others don't. that others don't. that others don't. So then a chapter later and maybe a year So then a chapter later and maybe a year So then a chapter later and maybe a year or two later in David's life, David is or two later in David's life, David is or two later in David's life, David is sent with the cheese and bread to go sent with the cheese and bread to go sent with the cheese and bread to go check on his brothers to bring them some check on his brothers to bring them some check on his brothers to bring them some food because they've been in this food because they've been in this food because they've been in this standoff with the Philistines standoff with the Philistines standoff with the Philistines over the valley. And David walks into over the valley. And David walks into over the valley. And David walks into that valley and Goliath is impressive.

that valley and Goliath is impressive. that valley and Goliath is impressive. Even the stories uh the details of the Even the stories uh the details of the Even the stories uh the details of the story are designed to make us feel the story are designed to make us feel the story are designed to make us feel the weight of his power. We're naming weight of his power. We're naming weight of his power. We're naming numbers and statistics. And his armor is numbers and statistics. And his armor is numbers and statistics. And his armor is enormous, his weapons enormous, his enormous, his weapons enormous, his enormous, his weapons enormous, his presence massive. And for 40 days, he's presence massive. And for 40 days, he's presence massive. And for 40 days, he's been standing in that valley challenging been standing in that valley challenging been standing in that valley challenging the Israelites. the Israelites. the Israelites. And nobody moves from the Israelite And nobody moves from the Israelite And nobody moves from the Israelite army. Nobody wants to face him. army. Nobody wants to face him. army. Nobody wants to face him. Then David arrives and essentially says, Then David arrives and essentially says, Then David arrives and essentially says, "I'll go." Saul tries to help. He gives "I'll go." Saul tries to help. He gives "I'll go." Saul tries to help. He gives David his armor. David puts it on. And David his armor. David puts it on. And David his armor. David puts it on. And then comes one of my favorite lines in then comes one of my favorite lines in then comes one of my favorite lines in the story. David strapped Saul's sword the story. David strapped Saul's sword the story. David strapped Saul's sword over Saul's armor, and he tried in vain over Saul's armor, and he tried in vain over Saul's armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. to walk, for he was not used to them. to walk, for he was not used to them. David can't even walk with this borrowed David can't even walk with this borrowed David can't even walk with this borrowed armor on him. So, he takes it off and armor on him. So, he takes it off and armor on him. So, he takes it off and sets it aside. And I think that might be sets it aside. And I think that might be sets it aside. And I think that might be the most important moment in this story the most important moment in this story the most important moment in this story because David cannot face Goliath in because David cannot face Goliath in because David cannot face Goliath in borrowed armor. Armor is not necessarily borrowed armor. Armor is not necessarily borrowed armor. Armor is not necessarily bad. It serves Saul well. It's just not bad. It serves Saul well. It's just not bad. It serves Saul well. It's just not David's. And that's a profoundly David's. And that's a profoundly David's. And that's a profoundly important important important and surprising spiritual lesson. Because and surprising spiritual lesson. Because and surprising spiritual lesson. Because if you think about your life, if you think about your life, if you think about your life, we all have some kind of borrowed armor we all have some kind of borrowed armor we all have some kind of borrowed armor that we attempt to put on to face our that we attempt to put on to face our that we attempt to put on to face our challenges.

challenges. challenges. We learn very early on what we're We learn very early on what we're We learn very early on what we're supposed to look like if we want to be supposed to look like if we want to be supposed to look like if we want to be successful. We learn what a successful successful. We learn what a successful successful. We learn what a successful person sounds like, what a successful person sounds like, what a successful person sounds like, what a successful family looks like, what a successful family looks like, what a successful family looks like, what a successful career achieves, what a successful career achieves, what a successful career achieves, what a successful Christian does. And we try all of that Christian does. And we try all of that Christian does. And we try all of that on. Sometimes we wear armor that's on. Sometimes we wear armor that's on. Sometimes we wear armor that's handed to us by our parents or by our handed to us by our parents or by our handed to us by our parents or by our culture, by our profession, sometimes by culture, by our profession, sometimes by culture, by our profession, sometimes by our church, or sometimes by our own our church, or sometimes by our own our church, or sometimes by our own fear. fear. fear. And sometimes that borrowed armor looks And sometimes that borrowed armor looks And sometimes that borrowed armor looks really impressive. But eventually we really impressive. But eventually we really impressive. But eventually we discover that we can't walk in it. We discover that we can't walk in it. We discover that we can't walk in it. We can't move in it. It's not ours. can't move in it. It's not ours. can't move in it. It's not ours. So in the story, David takes off Saul's So in the story, David takes off Saul's So in the story, David takes off Saul's armor. And then he does something that's armor. And then he does something that's armor. And then he does something that's pretty remarkable. He goes back to what pretty remarkable. He goes back to what pretty remarkable. He goes back to what he knows. He goes down to the stream, he knows. He goes down to the stream, he knows. He goes down to the stream, gathers five smooth stones. He picks up gathers five smooth stones. He picks up gathers five smooth stones. He picks up the tools that actually belong to him. the tools that actually belong to him. the tools that actually belong to him. He doesn't become someone else in order He doesn't become someone else in order He doesn't become someone else in order to face Goliath. He just becomes more to face Goliath. He just becomes more to face Goliath. He just becomes more fully himself in that moment. He leans fully himself in that moment. He leans fully himself in that moment. He leans into his past experiences, into his past experiences, into his past experiences, into everything that God has already into everything that God has already into everything that God has already been doing in his life and he trusts it.

been doing in his life and he trusts it. been doing in his life and he trusts it. And perhaps that is part of what faith And perhaps that is part of what faith And perhaps that is part of what faith asks of us. Not to become more asks of us. Not to become more asks of us. Not to become more impressive or more powerful. Definitely impressive or more powerful. Definitely impressive or more powerful. Definitely not to become somebody else, but to not to become somebody else, but to not to become somebody else, but to become more fully the person God created become more fully the person God created become more fully the person God created us to be. And this is where I think we us to be. And this is where I think we us to be. And this is where I think we have to resist turning David and Goliath have to resist turning David and Goliath have to resist turning David and Goliath into just a simple self-help story where into just a simple self-help story where into just a simple self-help story where we just say, "Believe in yourself. You we just say, "Believe in yourself. You we just say, "Believe in yourself. You can defeat any giant. Anything is can defeat any giant. Anything is can defeat any giant. Anything is possible if you just try hard enough." possible if you just try hard enough." possible if you just try hard enough." And that's not quite what David is And that's not quite what David is And that's not quite what David is saying. David doesn't say, "I am saying. David doesn't say, "I am saying. David doesn't say, "I am stronger than Goliath." He says, "The stronger than Goliath." He says, "The stronger than Goliath." He says, "The Lord does not save by sword or spear." Lord does not save by sword or spear." Lord does not save by sword or spear." David's confidence is not ultimately in David's confidence is not ultimately in David's confidence is not ultimately in himself. himself. himself. That's bold and courageous. That's bold and courageous. That's bold and courageous. His confidence is in God. And that His confidence is in God. And that His confidence is in God. And that matters because there will be times when matters because there will be times when matters because there will be times when we are not strong enough. There will be we are not strong enough. There will be we are not strong enough. There will be problems that we cannot solve. There problems that we cannot solve. There problems that we cannot solve. There will be people that we cannot change, will be people that we cannot change, will be people that we cannot change, losses we cannot prevent. And there will losses we cannot prevent. And there will losses we cannot prevent. And there will be circumstances that are simply bigger be circumstances that are simply bigger be circumstances that are simply bigger than our individual capacity to handle than our individual capacity to handle than our individual capacity to handle them. Faith doesn't promise that we'll them. Faith doesn't promise that we'll them. Faith doesn't promise that we'll always win. It just promises that we are always win. It just promises that we are always win. It just promises that we are not alone. And perhaps even more not alone. And perhaps even more not alone. And perhaps even more importantly, faith teaches us that we importantly, faith teaches us that we importantly, faith teaches us that we don't have to fight every battle on the don't have to fight every battle on the don't have to fight every battle on the world's terms. Goliath has a sword.

world's terms. Goliath has a sword. world's terms. Goliath has a sword. David has a sling. Goliath has armor. David has a sling. Goliath has armor. David has a sling. Goliath has armor. David has stones. Goliath has the kind David has stones. Goliath has the kind David has stones. Goliath has the kind of power that everybody recognizes. of power that everybody recognizes. of power that everybody recognizes. But David trusts the kind of power that But David trusts the kind of power that But David trusts the kind of power that Goliath doesn't understand. Goliath doesn't understand. Goliath doesn't understand. David recognizes that there are David recognizes that there are David recognizes that there are resources beyond the technology of resources beyond the technology of resources beyond the technology of kingdoms. All of the business as usual kingdoms. All of the business as usual kingdoms. All of the business as usual stuff stuff stuff that nations tend to trust in. That's that nations tend to trust in. That's that nations tend to trust in. That's what makes this more than an underdog what makes this more than an underdog what makes this more than an underdog story. David doesn't defeat Goliath by story. David doesn't defeat Goliath by story. David doesn't defeat Goliath by becoming Goliath. He doesn't answer becoming Goliath. He doesn't answer becoming Goliath. He doesn't answer violence with violence that's greater. violence with violence that's greater. violence with violence that's greater. He he doesn't decide that the only way He he doesn't decide that the only way He he doesn't decide that the only way to confront power is to become more to confront power is to become more to confront power is to become more powerful. He refuses to fight on powerful. He refuses to fight on powerful. He refuses to fight on Goliath's terms. And that's a lesson we Goliath's terms. And that's a lesson we Goliath's terms. And that's a lesson we need in every generation because there's need in every generation because there's need in every generation because there's Goliaths in every generation. There's Goliaths in every generation. There's Goliaths in every generation. There's personal Goliaths, fear and grief, personal Goliaths, fear and grief, personal Goliaths, fear and grief, addiction, loneliness or illness, addiction, loneliness or illness, addiction, loneliness or illness, failure, uncertainty. failure, uncertainty. failure, uncertainty. There's relational Goliaths like broken There's relational Goliaths like broken There's relational Goliaths like broken relationships and family conflict and relationships and family conflict and relationships and family conflict and estrangement.

estrangement. estrangement. And there are social Goliaths, And there are social Goliaths, And there are social Goliaths, injustice and poverty, racism, injustice and poverty, racism, injustice and poverty, racism, exclusion, systems that tell some people exclusion, systems that tell some people exclusion, systems that tell some people that their lives matter less than that their lives matter less than that their lives matter less than others. And there are spiritual others. And there are spiritual others. And there are spiritual Goliaths, the voices that tell us that Goliaths, the voices that tell us that Goliaths, the voices that tell us that God is distant, that we're alone, that God is distant, that we're alone, that God is distant, that we're alone, that nothing can change. The Christian nothing can change. The Christian nothing can change. The Christian response in all of that is not to find a response in all of that is not to find a response in all of that is not to find a bigger sword. In fact, I would argue bigger sword. In fact, I would argue bigger sword. In fact, I would argue that the Christian response is never to that the Christian response is never to that the Christian response is never to find a bigger sword. Sometimes it's to find a bigger sword. Sometimes it's to find a bigger sword. Sometimes it's to recognize that the weapons that we have recognize that the weapons that we have recognize that the weapons that we have been taught to trust are not the only been taught to trust are not the only been taught to trust are not the only sources of power. sources of power. sources of power. Truth can be powerful. Truth can be powerful. Truth can be powerful. Love is powerful. Compassion is Love is powerful. Compassion is Love is powerful. Compassion is powerful. powerful. powerful. Community can be powerful. Faithful Community can be powerful. Faithful Community can be powerful. Faithful presence can be powerful. And sometimes presence can be powerful. And sometimes presence can be powerful. And sometimes a small act of courage offered a small act of courage offered a small act of courage offered faithfully can become the stone that faithfully can become the stone that faithfully can become the stone that begins to bring something enormous down.

begins to bring something enormous down. begins to bring something enormous down. The entire army of Israel had been The entire army of Israel had been The entire army of Israel had been standing on the other side of the standing on the other side of the standing on the other side of the valley, frozen, paralyzed with fear. And valley, frozen, paralyzed with fear. And valley, frozen, paralyzed with fear. And we might know something about that. Have we might know something about that. Have we might know something about that. Have you ever found yourself stuck in a you ever found yourself stuck in a you ever found yourself stuck in a standoff between fear and the standoff between fear and the standoff between fear and the possibilities of life with God? You know possibilities of life with God? You know possibilities of life with God? You know something needs to change. You know something needs to change. You know something needs to change. You know someone needs to speak. You know you someone needs to speak. You know you someone needs to speak. You know you need to take a step. But the thing in need to take a step. But the thing in need to take a step. But the thing in front of you feels so big that you don't front of you feels so big that you don't front of you feels so big that you don't even know where to begin. even know where to begin. even know where to begin. David begins just by stepping into the David begins just by stepping into the David begins just by stepping into the valley. Not because he's fearless, valley. Not because he's fearless, valley. Not because he's fearless, not because he knows exactly how the not because he knows exactly how the not because he knows exactly how the story will end, story will end, story will end, but because he trusts God enough to take but because he trusts God enough to take but because he trusts God enough to take the first step. the first step. the first step. And I think that that is a better And I think that that is a better And I think that that is a better definition of courage than fearlessness. definition of courage than fearlessness. definition of courage than fearlessness. You've heard it said before. Courage is You've heard it said before. Courage is You've heard it said before. Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is just not the absence of fear. Courage is just not the absence of fear. Courage is just refusing to let fear make that decision. refusing to let fear make that decision. refusing to let fear make that decision. Sometimes courage looks dramatic, but Sometimes courage looks dramatic, but Sometimes courage looks dramatic, but sometimes it looks so very ordinary.

sometimes it looks so very ordinary. sometimes it looks so very ordinary. It might mean telling the truth or It might mean telling the truth or It might mean telling the truth or apologizing, apologizing, apologizing, setting a boundary or asking for help. setting a boundary or asking for help. setting a boundary or asking for help. It might mean standing beside someone It might mean standing beside someone It might mean standing beside someone who's being excluded, who's being excluded, who's being excluded, trying again after failure, beginning trying again after failure, beginning trying again after failure, beginning something new, or letting go of something new, or letting go of something new, or letting go of something that no longer fits. It might something that no longer fits. It might something that no longer fits. It might be speaking up when silence would be so be speaking up when silence would be so be speaking up when silence would be so much easier, or simply getting up much easier, or simply getting up much easier, or simply getting up tomorrow morning and taking the next tomorrow morning and taking the next tomorrow morning and taking the next faithful step. faithful step. faithful step. And so, yes, I think that this is a And so, yes, I think that this is a And so, yes, I think that this is a fitting story for the beginning of a fitting story for the beginning of a fitting story for the beginning of a school year. school year. school year. Perhaps not only because David is young. Perhaps not only because David is young. Perhaps not only because David is young. The message isn't really about children The message isn't really about children The message isn't really about children defeating their giants, but it's about defeating their giants, but it's about defeating their giants, but it's about all of us learning to recognize that God all of us learning to recognize that God all of us learning to recognize that God has already placed something into our has already placed something into our has already placed something into our hands and that God is already at work hands and that God is already at work hands and that God is already at work and with us. For some, this year might and with us. For some, this year might and with us. For some, this year might bring a new classroom or a new school. bring a new classroom or a new school. bring a new classroom or a new school. But for someone else, it might bring But for someone else, it might bring But for someone else, it might bring retirement or a new job or a changed retirement or a new job or a changed retirement or a new job or a changed relationship or an empty nest or a new relationship or an empty nest or a new relationship or an empty nest or a new season of caregiving, a diagnosis, a season of caregiving, a diagnosis, a season of caregiving, a diagnosis, a move, a loss, a beginning you didn't move, a loss, a beginning you didn't move, a loss, a beginning you didn't choose, or maybe just another year of choose, or maybe just another year of choose, or maybe just another year of trying to be faithful in the ordinary trying to be faithful in the ordinary trying to be faithful in the ordinary circumstances of life. Whatever valley circumstances of life. Whatever valley circumstances of life. Whatever valley it is, the invitation is the same.

it is, the invitation is the same. it is, the invitation is the same. Don't wear armor that doesn't fit. Don't Don't wear armor that doesn't fit. Don't Don't wear armor that doesn't fit. Don't measure yourself by somebody else's measure yourself by somebody else's measure yourself by somebody else's standard. Don't assume that the only standard. Don't assume that the only standard. Don't assume that the only kind of power that matters is the kind kind of power that matters is the kind kind of power that matters is the kind that the world recognizes. And don't that the world recognizes. And don't that the world recognizes. And don't assume that because what you have seems assume that because what you have seems assume that because what you have seems small that it is insignificant. small that it is insignificant. small that it is insignificant. David had a sling, five stones, and David had a sling, five stones, and David had a sling, five stones, and trust in God. And that was enough for trust in God. And that was enough for trust in God. And that was enough for his next step. his next step. his next step. There's one final detail in the story There's one final detail in the story There's one final detail in the story that I love. And the reading today ends that I love. And the reading today ends that I love. And the reading today ends with verse 50. There was no sword in with verse 50. There was no sword in with verse 50. There was no sword in David's hand. No sword, no borrowed David's hand. No sword, no borrowed David's hand. No sword, no borrowed armor, just a shepherd boy, a sling, a armor, just a shepherd boy, a sling, a armor, just a shepherd boy, a sling, a few stones, and trust in God. And maybe few stones, and trust in God. And maybe few stones, and trust in God. And maybe that's where this story leaves us. Not that's where this story leaves us. Not that's where this story leaves us. Not with the promise that every giant will with the promise that every giant will with the promise that every giant will fall or that faith makes us invincible, fall or that faith makes us invincible, fall or that faith makes us invincible, but with the promise that God's power is but with the promise that God's power is but with the promise that God's power is not limited to the things that the world not limited to the things that the world not limited to the things that the world recognizes as powerful. recognizes as powerful. recognizes as powerful. The God who sees the heart sees what is The God who sees the heart sees what is The God who sees the heart sees what is in us that others cannot see. The God in us that others cannot see. The God in us that others cannot see. The God whom at David in the valley meets us in whom at David in the valley meets us in whom at David in the valley meets us in our valley. And the God who does not our valley. And the God who does not our valley. And the God who does not save by sword or spear is still at work save by sword or spear is still at work save by sword or spear is still at work through ordinary people who trust God through ordinary people who trust God through ordinary people who trust God enough to offer what they have. So as we enough to offer what they have. So as we enough to offer what they have. So as we begin this new school year, perhaps our begin this new school year, perhaps our begin this new school year, perhaps our prayer is not, "God, make me bigger.

prayer is not, "God, make me bigger. prayer is not, "God, make me bigger. Increase my territory. Let me conquer it Increase my territory. Let me conquer it Increase my territory. Let me conquer it all." Perhaps our prayer is, "God, help all." Perhaps our prayer is, "God, help all." Perhaps our prayer is, "God, help me become more fully who you created me me become more fully who you created me me become more fully who you created me to be. Help me lay down the armor that to be. Help me lay down the armor that to be. Help me lay down the armor that doesn't fit. Help me recognize the gifts doesn't fit. Help me recognize the gifts doesn't fit. Help me recognize the gifts already in my hands. Give me courage to already in my hands. Give me courage to already in my hands. Give me courage to take the next faithful step. And God, take the next faithful step. And God, take the next faithful step. And God, when I encounter someone facing a when I encounter someone facing a when I encounter someone facing a Goliath of their own, give me the Goliath of their own, give me the Goliath of their own, give me the courage not simply to cheer for them courage not simply to cheer for them courage not simply to cheer for them from a safe distance, but to walk into from a safe distance, but to walk into from a safe distance, but to walk into the valley with them. Because we're not the valley with them. Because we're not the valley with them. Because we're not promised that we will never face giants. promised that we will never face giants. promised that we will never face giants. We're just promised that we will never We're just promised that we will never We're just promised that we will never face them alone. face them alone. face them alone. So take off that borrowed armor. Bring So take off that borrowed armor. Bring So take off that borrowed armor. Bring what you have. Trust the God who sees what you have. Trust the God who sees what you have. Trust the God who sees your heart. Step into that valley. And your heart. Step into that valley. And your heart. Step into that valley. And remember remember remember the giant may be big, but the giant does the giant may be big, but the giant does the giant may be big, but the giant does not have the final word. not have the final word. not have the final word. Amen.