David Meets Saul and Goes out to Defeat Goliath

Text: 1 Samuel 17:31-49

Reflection and Question: This is among the earliest Bible stories that were told to me in Sunday School and one of the longest remembered. Perhaps this story was highlighted because it is about David who is really a child and how he defeats the larger-than-life giant, Goliath. David has become a symbol of the underdog who has the skill and knowledge to compete against the more powerful and more favored. When have you been David going up against Goliath, and what has helped you to prevail?

Prayer: Jesus, our Brother and Savior, You were considered weak and yet You triumphed over the grave. When we feel small and outmatched, remind us of Your forefather David, so that we, too, may meet the Goliaths we face in our time. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).