“Faith With Evidence Part IV”

 “And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably?” (1 Samuel 16:4)

Commentary

Samuel has demonstrated being both a Prophet and a Judge. Arriving at Bethlehem would certainly come into question as to why he is here? What he coming to Judge a sin they may be guilty of, or prophesy something horrible that will happen to them? Nope, he is here to perform a ritual sacrifice…as far as they know.

While the Elders and people are busy preparing for the sacrifice. Samuel goes looking for a new King. He finds one in David.

David’s first encounter was with Saul was when Saul was feeling sad about the Evil Spirit the Lord had put in him. David’s skill on the harp made Saul feel better and he made David his Armor Bearer. Although it is not directly said, it is probably more ceremonial since David is just a boy.

A great war is raging between Israel and the Philistines. Both armies are poised in a valley and both occupy the hills on either side. Everyday the giant Goliath comes close enough to the Israeli Army to taunt them. Goliath says for them to send out a warrior to fight him, if the warrior wins then the Philistines will surrender to Israel, but if the warrior loses Israel must surrender to them. Of course, if Saul sent out his most powerful warrior and he loses, then Saul will not surrender. Likewise if Saul’s most powerful warrior wins the Philistines will not surrender.

Then comes the boy David. Physically David is no match for Goliath. David tells Saul of something much more miraculous. The time David killed a Lion and Bear. For a small boy to kill a Lion and Bear, is a greater deed than Sampson the Judge.

David’s brothers and the people made fun of David, since he was too small and young to be a skilled warrior. Saul heard what was said about David, but decided to send the least of them out to challenge Goliath. If David is killed it might buy Saul enough time to try something else.

“David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.” (1 Samuel 17:37)

This is the evidence that David knew God was with him. David didn’t say I killed the Lion and the Bear all on my own. It was God that killed the Lion and the Bear, for me. It was not blind faith that moved David, it was Faith with Evidence of God that moved David.

Do you have faith based on unknown evidence, or has something happened in your life that has to have been from God. Not an accidental occurrence, but something outside of your ability. I know I have. If you look you will find the same thing.

Stay Tuned…

P.S. David’s faith continues from 1 Samuel 17 onward.