Whilst Christianity is often seen to be overwhelmed by current-thought leadership and offering little by way of creative responses to the cultural and social movements impacting global debate, we turn to the story of David who brought down an intimidating, warrior giant with a Stone-Age slingshot. It reminds us that what appears outdated, in the right hands can prove irresistible. Our biblical message has not run out of steam; we need to take hold of it and apply it in ways that address the primary questions dominating public discourse. Too often we shudder before the taunts of those seeking to dethrone God, and we find comfort in retreating to our campsite some distance from the frontline of the battle.
Engaging with the public discourse does not mean we need to change our dress; David was restricted when seeking the apparent protection of Saul’s armour. He drew on the wisdom he had learnt as a shepherd, as we are to draw on all we have discovered of God. The debate will not be settled on rational grounds; here we will at best attain a score draw. God’s wisdom lies beyond reason, although built of rational foundations.
We must discover how to convey the nature of God’s wisdom and create an opportunity for encounter between the human and the divine. The stone that gave David his success is an image of the resilience of divine truth in the face of impossible odds. We will never hold our ground by fighting swords with swords.
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: 2 Chron. 32:6–8; 2 Sam. 22:31–37; 2 Cor. 3:1–11; 10:1–6.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: David approached Goliath with who he was and with what he knew. How does this influence your understanding of how you are to serve Jesus?
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, I give You thanks that salvation belongs to You and that You are our deliverer. Amen.’
