(4) David’s Story
1) Invitation to God’s War
God Called Young David Who Feared Him
Saul, the first king of Israel, disobeyed God’s command. He failed to uphold His holiness and did not acknowledge Him as his true king. As a result, Saul could no longer carry out the Lord’s battles. So God looked upon the youngest son of Jesse, David, who—even as a young shepherd—feared the Lord, praised Him, and trusted in Him. When the time came, God anointed him as king.
》Scripture Prayer
(1 Samuel 16:1, 6–7, 10–13,NIV) 1 The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” 6 When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed stands here before the LORD.” 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not look at the things people look at—people look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 10 Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 11 So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” 12 So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.” 13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.
》Pray that the Word may become the Conclusion.
1. The only true King of Israel is God. Anyone who does not acknowledge His sovereignty can never wage His wars. Let us pray that the church on this earth would fully obey His commands and be made into a church equipped and faithful to carry out His battles.
2. God does not look at outward appearance, but at the heart. He seeks those who love Him from the heart, who acknowledge His sovereignty, and long for His glory and kingdom. Let us pray that in our generation, the Lord will raise up people like David.
2) Understand God’s Warfare
The Lord’s Salvation Does Not Rely on Sword or Spear
David was able to defeat Goliath because he knew with certainty that God is the Lord of Hosts. He clearly understood that victory does not depend on swords or spears, but that the battle belongs to the Lord. God reveals His victory through people like David—those who trust in His name and offer themselves wholly in faith.
》Scripture Prayer
(1 Samuel 17:43–49,NIV) 43 He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!” 45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” 46 “This day the LORD will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head, and this very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.” 47 “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.
》Pray that the Word may become the Conclusion.
1. Without a longing for God’s glory and faith in His name, we cannot gain the courage to fight His battles. Let us pray that in this generation, God would raise up people like David to overcome those who blaspheme His name, and through them, let the whole earth come to know the living God.
2. The Church must know that God’s battle is not won by sword or spear, but belongs solely to Him. Let us pray for churches like David—those who will not only speak this truth but demonstrate it through their lives.
3) The Purpose of God’s War
Is To Let His People Experience and Know Him
What David gained from waging so many wars of God was not wealth, power, or fame. He learned about God, who is alive and glorious, through wholly experiencing Him. Also, I became longing even more for Christ the Messiah, who would follow his lineage.
》Scripture Prayer
(2 Samuel 22:30–37, 43–47, 51,NIV) 30 With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. 31 As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. 32 For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? 33 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. 34 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. 35 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 36 You make your saving help my shield; your help has made me great. 37 You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. 43 I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth; I pounded and trampled them like mud in the streets. 44 You have delivered me from the attacks of the peoples; you have preserved me as the head of nations, and people I did not know now serve me. 45 Foreigners cower before me; as soon as they hear of me, they obey me. 46 They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds. 47 “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior!” 51 “He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.“
》Pray that the Word may become the Conclusion.
1. God is a shield, shelter, fortress, rock, and mountain for those who only trust and rely on Him, like for David. What we learn through experiencing His wars is a living belief in Him. Let’s pray that the churches on this earth will learn about God’s wars like David did and enjoy rich faith and grace in Him by boldly participating in those wars.
2. God is worthy of being exalted among the nations. When the churches stand firm in the gospel and prayer to carry out God’s war, nations will return to God. Let’s pray that the churches will continue to rise as a united army of the Lord fighting for the revival of His country and the completion of the mission.
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