“When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. 52 Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath[f] and to the gates of Ekron.Their dead were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. 53 When the Israelites returned from chasing the Philistines, they plundered their camp. 54 David took the Philistine’s head and brought it to Jerusalem; he put the Philistine’s weapons in his own tent. 55 As Saul watched David going out to meet the Philistine, he said to Abner, commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is that young man?” Abner replied, “As surely as you live, Your Majesty, I don’t know.” 56 The king said, “Find out whose son this young man is.” 57 As soon as David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with David still holding the Philistine’s head. 58 “Whose son are you, young man?” Saul asked him. David said, “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.”
Can you even imagine the strut of David after killing the giant and bringing his head back to Jerusalem? No longer was he David the shepherd boy, now he was David the hero of the battle and the victor of Israel. And notice this, David didn’t return to the sheep in Bethlehem, he went on to the capital city and to his new tent that must have been provided for him where he “put the Philistines weapons.”
David went from rags to riches with just one defeat in battle. He went from obscurity to prominence with the swing of a sling and a well positioned stone. David’s popularity was literally overnight. On instagram we would consider him an influencer and an overnight success!
But David’s win wasn’t completed by himself, we know and he knew that it was the Lord who was with him. God makes kings and rulers, and he brings them to victory and defeat. As it says in Scripture, “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning,” Daniel 2:21. David had success because the Lord was with him, the Lord had anointed him and the Lord has placed his hand of blessing upon him. David recognized this fact.
Even King Saul had to ask Abner, the commander of his army, who’s son is this? And Abner did not know. They brought David before the king while he was still holding on to the head of Goliath, and David said, “I am the son of your servant Jesse of Bethlehem.” Talk about an introduction and an entrance into the palace.
The main point in this passage is David’s victory and his instant rise to fame. Just that morning David was leaving the sheep fields going to take lunch to his brothers who were at war. Then, he was propelled by God’s Spirit upon the field of battle and with one defeat he became a household name in all of Israel. It’s quite an amazing story.
Rarely will we share the fame, fortune or success as David. But we all have influence over someone. Perhaps its just a few people in your family or in your office. Maybe you get to speak to hundreds or perhaps just a handful. Regardless of what assignment God has given you, give God credit and use your gifts to glorify him.
David spoke words to Goliath which were the last words the giant ever heard, “…but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands.”
Whatever influence God has given you, use it for his glory. Call upon his name and the world will know you as a person who walks with God regardless of the size of your assignment or the reach of your Influence.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank for loving me. Thank you for the assignment of taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth. I have such a short stay upon this world but your reign, your Word and my soul lasts forever. I look forward to eternity in your presence and without the battle of sin or strife. Thank you for the example of David and for the Spirit of the Lord who lives in each of us. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen