Focus
Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.
Read
1 Sam. 17:55–18:5 (NRSV)
When Saul saw David go out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, I do not know.” The king said, “Inquire whose son the stripling is.” On David’s return from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul, with the head of the Philistine in his hand. Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”
When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bound to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that he was wearing, and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him; as a result, Saul set him over the army. And all the people, even the servants of Saul, approved.
Reflect
David was apparently quite young when he faced the Philistine Goliath. Because of his courageous actions and the depth of his maturity, the king of the land entrusted leadership of the army to this youth.
All too often it seems that adults fail to recognize the gifts and abilities of the youth in their churches and communities. We don’t given credence to their opinions or listen to their insights. Even at our own General Assembly, the youth are not allowed to vote on issues. Yes, they can address the commissioners, but that stops short of truly letting them have a voice. Their voice may well bring more wisdom and understanding than those who have had many years to form opinions.
God placed David in the position of being able to influence King Saul and to develop into the type of leader the people would need. How are we allowing God to use the young people in our midst?
Pray
God, we know that you have a purpose for all of us. Help us to step out of the way so that you can use others. Let us give support and encouragement to those whom you are bringing into service. Amen.
Go with God!
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