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This week we studied the rise of God's newly anointed king, David from 1 Samuel 16 and 17. Then we also David fight the mighty philistine warrior of Goliath. We always attribute a lot of faith to David for being willing to face a giant with only a slingshot and 5 stones, but have you ever stopped to wonder why did David grab 5 stones?

Was it that he thought he might miss? This is a possible answer. However, the arguments against this being the reasoning are very strong. First, I would argue if this was the case then David probably would have died before loading in a second stone. Secondly, it would suggest that David was lacking in faith, and confidence which as you read his statements to both Saul and then later to Goliath himself, these would not seem to be the case. Moreover, David almost boasts about his marksmanship when taking on wild animals that would prey upon his flocks.

Was it to represent some spiritual number such as the Pentateuch, the 5 books of Moses Law? Or the 5 foundations of faith: prayer, fasting, confession, the Bible, and the Eucharist. I don't think so. It is unlikely that the books of Moses were fully composed at the time of David's assent to the throne, especially considering that the Israelites were in transition from an oral and migratory people to a written and stationary nation during the establishment of the monarchies. I say this without trying to get into any specific about the authorship, and dating of the Pentateuch.1 It is also unlikely that the an Old Testament writer would be foreshadowing a specific sacrament or set of sacraments that we hold today nearly 3,000 years later.

Church tradition and lore has long held that it was for dealing with Goliath's brothers. Goliath had brothers? Well we have a few references to suggest this to be true, however none of the references give an exact number of relatives- specifically four brothers. (See 2 Sam. 21:15-22, and 1 Chronicles 20) However, we only know for certain that one of these giants slain was in fact a brother of Goliath.

So why 5 stones?

I think it was about being prepared. David had faith that the first stone was going to bring down Goliath. However, if had he only taken one stone he would have tested God, instead of God testing him. Moreover, it was a common practice for the family to avenge the death, and perhaps even a subordinate in the Philistine army might be swayed in his rage to attack David, and thus he needed to be prepared. I like the assessment of one forum writer who suggested that 5 seemed like a good number to him considering that these were probably not small stones. It was enough it could fit into his day pouch which usually carried the provisions for a day, but it was not so much that it prevented his mobility.

This week ask not only your children but yourself if you are doing your part to be prepared for how God wants to use you in slaying a giant this week. Are you equipping yourself with faith, confidence, and enough ammo to handle whatever may come as you try to overcome whatever Giant is standing in your way? For David it meant not putting on the conventional armor, the things that the world thought he should use, but using the gifts and talent God had given him in a new way. What giant do you need to slay? How can you prepare yourself to take it on?

- Pastor Charles





Posted on Fri, August 2, 2013 by Pastor Charles Scheffe giant goliath Saul David stones church history JEBD Chronicles king Samuel gifts talents confidence prepare

This week we studied 1 Samuel 8-10, Israel Demands a King. Over the past two weeks we have seen that the priestly and judge order is thwarted by the next generation- both Eli's offspring and Samuel's offspring do not hold the same level of authority or even competence as their fathers. And as the people see Samuel aging they begin to question the system of the judges placed by God. The Israelites determine that God has been holding out the blessings of the King from them. So they demand that Samuel find them a king.

“19c We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”

The first things I want to point out about this lesson is that God wanted to give Israel a king. In fact, His plan was for them to have a king. The one true and perfect King. God always has a plan. It is a plan for His glory, and our good. However, we have free choice. Now those two things might seem at odds with each other, but they are not. God's plan to bring Himslef glory will always come to fruition, but sometimes we miss out on the for our good. And that was where the Israelites found themselves in this demand. God had a plan for Israel, and that plan included sending a King. He was going to send the one true king, Jesus. Moreover, His plan was for that King to be Israel's only king. However, the free choice of the people demanded a king prior to that, because after all each of their neighbors had one. So God allowed the free choice of the people. He knew what an earthly king would do, he knew that His people would be led astray and have to be punished, but He also knew that He could highlight the difference between the kings of old and the one true King. So he told Samuel to listen to the people and to warn them of the fallen nature of an earthly king.

9b Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.”

10 Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. 11 He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. 12 Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. 16 Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle[c] and donkeys he will take for his own use. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.”

While this idea of demanding things from God generally does not really give us good and really the Israelites did not get what they wanted, we can learn something as parents. You see before God gave the Israelites an earthly king he warned about the consequences of their choice. As parents we need to help our children think through their choices. I have a three year old daughter. And many times we make her choices for her. But we value the ability for her to make and learn how to make decisions. So we allow for her to make insignificant choices that are big to her. For example, the other night my wife and I decided we would go out and get some dessert after a not so well cooked by me. So we asked our daughter which place she wanted to go. And we worked hard to explain the choices at both locations. Thankfully, daddy's choice of Ice Cream was chosen. While it is true not much was on the line in this decision, we are trying to start a pattern of helping her and us to think the differences when a choice has to be made. God did the same thing with his people. He showcased the choice and its potential downfalls. But then he decided to allow them to make the mistake. He did not abandon His people, even though this was a rejection of Him.

7b it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.

While I would not say that it is a good proof text for us to start demanding things of God. I would say that it is a great parenting text for us to see how to help our children make decisions and then allow them to make one even if we think it isn't the best option. God knew that this was not the best option for His children, but He still allowed it to happen.
So what happens when we demand things of God? I think sometimes he answers us with a yes, other times a no. But He always listens to us, even when our responses don't show the respect or gratitude that it should.

"In Him"

Charles Scheffe
Associate Pastor : Children's Ministry
Edmond's First Baptist Church
1300 E 33rd St, Edmond OK 73013
direct Line: 405-706-0763

Sunday, June 16: This week we studied Judges 13-16, the story of Samson. We saw the tragic judge who lost his life while destroying the temple of the Philistines. But what happened that lead to the death of the world's strongest man? Before you answer that . . .

How Did Samson Lose His Strength?

Sunday, June 9: This week we studied Judges 6-8, the story of Mighty Gideon. He took 300 men into a battle against a rival nation and secured the victory. Actually, we saw that Gideon was not really that mighty. Gideon was an unassuming man. Use this week to instill into your child that they are a mighty warrior and that God has called them to great things.

Am I a Mighty Warrior?

Sunday, June 2: This week we studied Judges chapter 4 and 5. The story of Deborah, a female judge, and Barak (not the President, but the Commander of the Israelite army) and Jael. In the story, we watched as the Israelites again fell into the trap and cycle of apostasy - first they Abandoned God, then God allows them to placed into Bo***ge, the people Cried out, and then God Delivers them.

Can I mess Up God's Plan?

Sunday, May 26: This week I wanted to give you something a little different. The idea came from Pastor Blake Gideon, but the video is just for you. Don't be stumped this week and talk with your children about what they saw and how it made them feel.

God IS

Sunday, May 19: This week we are studying Joshua 23- Joshua's farewell speech. The battle was won, and the Israelite people had secured the promised land, Joshua was old and about to pass. So he summoned all of the people to pass one final thing on to them.

What are you leaving behind?

Sunday, May 12: This week we are studying Joshua 10, one of perhaps the greatest miracles in the Bible that few people know about. Everyone knows about the miracles of the flood, the 10 plagues, crossing of the red sea on dry land, even Jericho has a song about it…But this week's story showcases Joshua battling not 1 but 5 great cities at once.

How does God answer prayer?

Sunday, May 5: Most kids love to compete. And more importantly than competing they love to win! This week help find some wins for your children. This could be from setting up some fun family competitions, or just things that happen this week that you point out to your child were wins that came from God.

How should you celebrate a win?

Sunday, April 28: The question of evil and bad or tragic events often comes up. In the media we hear things like, "How could a loving God allow…Where is God when…" So why do people blame God when bad things happen?

Why do people blame God when bad things happen?

Sunday, April 21: This week our children will be studying Joshua chapters 2 and 6. Talk with your children about the rope and that the rope symbolizes all that God did to rescue them, similar to how both the spies and Rahab were saved.

What is important about the Scarlet Rope that Rahab hung out of her window?