From Sling to Sword
Monday, November 24
1 Samuel 21:8 (NKJV)
“And David said to Ahimelech, “Is there not here on hand a spear or a sword? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king’s business required haste.”
Devotion
Before David defeated Goliath with a sling, he was discredited by Saul, who said, “…for you are but a youth, and he [Goliath] has been a man of war from his youth" (1 Samuel 17:33).
David was not supposed to be at this battle; he was bringing provisions to his older brothers. However, he ended up doing something so incredible, so praiseworthy, with nothing but a sling and stones.
In today’s passage, as he urgently moved toward his calling, he was equipped with the sword of Goliath (which first tried to end his calling)! If you make haste in your Fathers’ business, you may be surprised at how he will equip you.
David had a Kingdom-calling on his life that began to chase him into caves and across the wilderness.This was after he was anointed by Samuel in 1 Samuel 16, but before the calling came to light in 2 Samuel 2. David was in ‘The-place-before-the-finish-line,’ just as we are today.
As Pastor Franklin stated in his message yesterday, David ran, so we could sprint. We have to pick up the baton in the final stretch of the relay and urgently chase the calling. The calling will get uncomfortable, but know that we are not fulfilling this on our own strength. In Psalm 57, David writes from the caves, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” (Psalm 57:2)
We ask the Lord to help us swiftly; should we not also swiftly carry out his commands?
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess I have often been less than urgent, even slothful, going about Your business, and I have not always worked with all my heart, as if working for Jesus, not for men. Father, forgive me for my sins of being slack in my work, brother to one who destroys. Purify me. Make me zealous and willing to hustle. Remind me daily that the clock is ticking and time is running out for many people to trust and surrender. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Jesus’ mission now includes us. The community of Jesus followers is invited, yes commanded, to go into all the world and share the gospel. What does that look like for you? Pastor Franklin pointed out that urgency does not mean lack of preparation. How do you need to prepare? Do you have faith that your obedience in this will please God?
Resources
- If you missed yesterday’s kickoff to our Vision Series, don’t miss this! “An Urgency in This Hour” is a powerful message stirring our hearts to action and faith.
- We're celebrating the story God is writing through our church and looking toward the bold future we are building together. For more information visit - Vision 2025