1 Samuel 17; 1 Chronicles 2; Acts 12

The confrontation between David and Goliath teaches us several important truths:

- Situations that seem threatening and hopeless can be resolved simply and quickly when the Lord acts. In this case, it was resolved with just one small stone.
- People can and often do make wrong judgments about each other. Despite living in the same family, they should have known each other well. Still, David's eldest brother makes a completely false assumption about David's motives when he comes to the battlefield (1 Samuel 17:28). Interestingly, David reacts calmly to this - "What have I done? Is there not a cause?"
- The perspective in which the Lord occupies the position of Lord radically changes the evaluation and approach to what is happening. Saul and his vast army are in awe, seeing and hearing Goliath. But David wonders why they are afraid of him since he cannot win because "...this uncircumcised Philistine defies the armies of the living God" (1 Samuel 17:26).
- David conquers by the power of God, not by the strength of his weaponry. Saul doesn't understand him but agrees to let David face Goliath out of desperation.
- The basis for David's confidence was his experience of faith, which was cultivated in his shepherd's practice. By learning to trust God in less significant matters, we gain experience in more critical situations and deeds.

Acts 12. People in power may seem strong and mighty, but this power means nothing when God intervenes. Herod had a plan to kill Peter and thus gain additional points in the eyes of the people, but God turned everything around - an angel freed Peter, and that same angel struck Herod.