1 Samuel 17: 46,47

…”[T[hat all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.”

1Samuel 17:46,47

God's glory necessitates an open declaration of faith.

It may seem rather obvious to say, but David’s challenge of Goliath was stated publicly. He made no attempt to hide or temper his open declaration of confidence in God: it was made before the king and court and, soon thereafter, reaffirmed on the battlefield as he cast his challenge into the giant’s teeth. While it is possible for one to exercise faith in a private fashion, it is striking to consider how often the Bible records public declarations of faith – either in word or in action. See Noah’s public declaration of faith in God’s word as the ark took shape over 120 long years. Watch Moses hold out his rod over the Red Sea. Listen to Elijah defiantly call down fire from heaven. Hear Daniel praying out his open window, knowing the lions await him. The examples roll on through the centuries as prophets and apostles, martyrs and missionaries give public testimony to the truth of God’s promises and His power to provide. David’s actions here are completely in accord with this pattern.

Faith is indispensable because it is the essence of what God requires from us as His people. From the very beginning, Adam was given the test of simply taking God at His word. Sadly, his failure to do so plunged all of mankind into unbelief – a condition that lies at the root of all sin. So, when God comes in grace to unbelieving sinners, the first thing He requires of them (of us) is faith: faith that believes His word; faith that repents of all sin; faith that embraces the cross of His Son; faith that is impossible until given as a gift of God’s sovereign grace. (Eph. 2:8-10) True faith is God’s work in us, and He will have His workmanship declared for all the world to see. This is why we profess with our mouth as well as believe in our hearts (Rom. 10:9,10), and why we are to continue to walk by faith and not by sight.

David saw Goliath’s challenge as an opportunity to bring glory to God. He believed without hesitation that God stood for Israel in this conflict, and he openly stated that God’s covenant faithfulness was the source of his courage. Even though he was acting alone as he went out against the giant, David knew he wasn’t alone. God was there, the unbelieving Philistines were there and God’s covenant people were there too. All of them would witness David’s public demonstration of faith – they comprised his audience. His goals were clear: to bring glory to God, to convict the unbelievers and to encourage God’s people. But David understood that, in order for these goals to be accomplished, he had to express his faith openly.

David’s expression of confidence in God brought glory to God and so met his first goal. The mere fact that faith in God moved a stripling to stand against the mightiest warrior on the field proclaimed the glory of the God of Israel – whether or not the giant was defeated. This is the lesson of martyrdom: God is glorified when His people stand for the truth, even if they forfeit their lives in the process. Perhaps Martin Luther said it best: “Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also. The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still. His Kingdom is forever.” In this case, God chose not only to show His glory through David’s profession, but also by granting him a great victory.

David’s stunning defeat of Goliath electrified both armies. The Philistines were at first dumbfounded and then panic-stricken as they fled the field with the army of Israel on their heels. The Israelites, on the other hand, seemed reborn. Shaking off their earlier cowardice, they stormed after the Philistines with a shout of victory and slaughtered the enemy up to the very gates of his strongholds. What a transformation! The entire course of the battle shifted in those few moments as God’s people were inspired and God’s enemies were demoralized by one public act of faith.

Don’t be surprised when you find yourself facing a requirement to “go public” with your faith. God’s commitment to His own glory and His love for you will not allow your faith to remain hidden for long. If your faith is a gift from God, it MUST express itself openly. This is how faith grows stronger. Remember also that stepping out in faith impacts those around you. This is where the reformations and revivals in the history of the church have started – with men and women who were willing to trust God and take a step of faithful obedience. Who knows what God may do through you?