What to do in Moments of Danger.

Wednesday 22^nd January 2020. Read 1 Samuel 17:32-51, Psalm 144 and Mark 3:1-6.

_“You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” *(1 Samuel 17:45)*_ 

And so, it happened that Samuel anointed this young shepherd boy, David but instead of a coronation ceremony (as was the case with Saul), life just returned to normal. Samuel went back home, the brothers of David went back to their businesses, and the boy David went back to guarding the flock. Honestly, it all felt like nothing happened.

It was not by chance that Saul became sick, it was also not by chance that David knew how to play the harp and was appointed musician to Saul. It was not also by chance that Goliath, the giant challenged the army of Israel. God knows how best to write straight on very crooked lines. There is always a reason for everything that happens to us. Today, we learn from David how best to respond to danger.

*1. Behind What Frightens You is a Precious Gift.*

People were scared of Goliath, the whole armies of Israel felt weak. David walked into the scene and asked: “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel?” (1 Samuel 17:26). And in response, the people said: “the man who kills him, the king will enrich with great riches, and will give him his daughter, and make his father's house free in Israel.” Learn to face your fears. All the good things you seek are at the other side of your fear.

*2. Never Forget What God Has Done in the Past.*

The best time to sing God’s praises is when you face danger. David’s courage was fuelled by a memory of how God granted him victory over the lions and wild animals who tried to attack his father’s flock. “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37).

*3. Let God do the fighting for you, Trust Not in Physical weapons.*

David refused to wear Saul’s armour, he couldn’t move. All he needed were a staff in hand, five smooth stones in his bag and a sling (catapult) but his real weapon was THE NAME OF THE LORD. David said to Goliath, “I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down, and cut off your head.” (1 Samuel 17:45-46). Mind you, it was not the stone that killed Goliath, it was the velocity with which God applied upon the stone.

Jesus entered the synagogue and behold there was a man with a withered hand. Already, as we read yesterday, the Pharisees accused Jesus of not keeping the sabbath law because he plucked heads of grain to eat. Now, they were watching him to see what he would do the man with a withered hand. Jesus used the occasion to teach us that God did not make laws simply to punish us.

Indeed, there is only one law; the law of love (the law of doing good, saving life). Jesus asked a question that the Pharisees could not answer: “Is it okay to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath?” In the end, Jesus freed the man from his pain and misery much to the anger of the cold-hearted Pharisees. Honestly, to be angry at another person’s progress (healing, success, promotion etc.) is one clear definition of witchcraft.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, give me the courage of David, teach me to remember your goodness in the past and break my cold heart of stone that I may learn to feel the pain of those who suffer around me. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time: Bible Study: 1 Samuel 17:32-51, Psalm 144 and Mark 3:1-6).