Is There Not a Cause?
Today’s Verse:
And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? ~1 Samuel 17:29
Are you someone driven by a cause? A cause is something you believe in so strongly that you take a stand for it. A good example of this is patriotism: it is a cause that compels men to enlist in the armed forces to fight for their country. David encountered a situation that affected the welfare of Israel. He asked an important question: “Is there not a cause?”
We see David’s response.
David came to deliver some refreshments and visit his brothers. Israel and the Philistines were at a standoff in the valley of Elah. While David was conversing with his brethren and the soldiers, the Philistine giant and hero, Goliath, appeared and issued a challenge for Israel to send a man out to meet him for combat. The men of Israel cowered in fear at his challenge. However, upon hearing this challenge, David was moved in his spirit to do something about it. David responded by asking, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” A right cause demands a response from God’s people. God’s name was being blasphemed by Goliath and the Philistines. Unlike the other men of Israel, David responded.
We see David’s rebuke.
David’s eldest brother was angry with his response. He accused David of being mischievous, proud, and naughty for coming down to see the battle. When you take a stand for a rightful cause, you will be rejected and rebuked. Men who stand for a cause are in the minority. They are a small and select group of men who are unlike the spineless and convictionless people who do not want to be involved or are not willing to pay the price for something worthy and important. If you are going to be a bold witness for the Lord, expect to be resisted and rebuked by people.
We see David’s resolve.
“And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” David told Saul that he would go and fight with the Philistine. Bear in mind, David had no armor, no sword, and no spear; and he was not recognized as an enlisted soldier. He could not fit Saul’s armor, and he was told that he was just a youth. However, David had determined faith that God would use him to defeat the giant. The greatest weapon that David had for the battle was his faith in God’s power. When you believe in a cause, you will have faith and resolve that God can use you.
We see David’s realization.
David defeated the giant with a sling and one stone. He hit the giant right in the middle of the forehead with his very first throw. The stone sank into Goliath's forehead, killing him. David ran to the giant, took the giant’s sword, and beheaded him. Holding the giant’s head in the air, he decisively defeated this mighty foe. So great was David’s victory that a ballad was sung by the maidens of Israel that said, “Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” David attained fame as God’s giant killer. He was loved and acknowledged by the nation as the one who saved them from defeat. Later, David became king over Israel and led them to many more victories over the Philistines. He knew that the cause was the glory of God, and he stepped up and stepped out to serve his cause. Would you be a David who has a cause that you live and die for? The name of the Lord and the gospel are the cause that we must resolve to represent and do all we can to advance it.
Have a inspired God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Timothy 1-3