David & Goliath.

Last night at church, we were blessed to have a guest speaker, Dudley Hall.  Well known for his books, seminars and church in Texas, it was incredible to have him at Verge748.  I also spent a couple of hours with his wife, Betsy, at a ladies' luncheon earlier in the day!

Dudley told the story of David and Goliath.  While most of us knew the story, Dudley shared it with a completely knew perspective.

- The shepherd boy David had been anointed early on in life by Samuel to be King.

- 13 years pass under Saul's rule, and David continues to tend sheep.

- The Israelites fight the Philistines, but the Giant Goliath offers a man to man challenge.

- King Saul offers a great reward to any man who defeats the giant.

- 15 year-old David hears of the challenge his older brothers are facing, and asks to try.

- David faces off with Goliath, wearing no armor, only a sling-slot in hand. 

- David hits Goliath in the one spot he does not have covered with armor; Goliath falls.

- David beheads him in victory!

So far, the story seems rather consistent with what we learned as kids, but Dudley's insight changes everything.  If we consider David's story to be one of a hero, which we should emulate, naturally our spirit would respond, "ah, no thanks, no giants for me."

But, truly we need to see that this story is about Jesus! This story is a depiction of the ever-present battle between God's Kingdom and Satan.  You see, it bothered David to see God's army mocked by Goliath.  It bothered him. What bothers us tells a lot about who we are in Christ.  God wants us to join the battle where we are bothered.  It's a clue to our calling.

Dudley went on to share that if we show up, in God's name, not our own, to fight the battle, it will lead to guaranteed victory. Heaven will back us up!  Every battle requires a champion --- and that is Jesus.  If you walk with Jesus, the victory is guaranteed. Jesus is the greater David, and David is the greater us, and there's no excuse for avoiding the battle!

God has giants in each of our lives so that our anointing, our Godly gifts can be exposed.  David was anointed 13 years before his battle with the giant. God used that moment to expose his Godly purpose and blessing!  If David had chickened out, the anointing would have remained hidden. We are "in Christ" as the text reads, and "in Christ" means anointed one, and therefore we already have our anointing through Jesus' shed blood.  We are ready for battle!

Dudley closed with this challenge.  We need to quit seeing ourselves as ordinary.  We are chosen to rule in God's anointing and purpose.  Victory is sure!  

If you made it all the way to the end of this post; well done!  Chris and I really enjoyed the message and couldn't resist putting it on here.  If you want to here Dudley share the story of David and Goliath, go to the online audio: Dudley Hall, Facing the Giants. (It should appear at the top of the list).