Week 3 | day fifteen
What Are You Doing Here?
Now Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” 1 Samuel 17:28 ESV
David’s words prior to his brothers reproach were, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” (1 Samuel 17:26) Why did this kindle his brother’s anger? Was it David’s confidence in the true living God? Was it because he (Eliab) wished he had spoken those words? Was it jealousy? We do not know exactly why Eliab was angry, but we do know that his words were not encouraging and accepting of David. Rather, his words questioned his presence and motive for being there.
David brought food to his brothers and the commanders because he had been asked by his father, Jesse, to carry this out. He was honoring his father in fulfilling this task. The truth he had to recognize when questioned by his brother who said, “… I know the presumption and the evil of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” was that he was NOT there to just watch the battle but he was there to represent his father, Jesse, as well as represent Father God, by proclaiming the truth that He is a living God! David could have taken hold of the unaccepting hurtful words and walked away from the battle, but he did not.
We can all think of a situation or situations in our life where someone has questioned our presence and responsibility and doubted our motives. How did we respond at that time? What action did we take, if any?
David was confident in God, the one true living God! When he asked who defies the armies of the living God, he had full confidence that God was bigger than the giant that stood before the Israelites.
David did not waver when everyone around him feared the situation or when his brother rejects his presence. He stands firm in his belief that God is for the armies of Israel and for him. He was the one person who truly believed that the obstacle in front of the army of Israel could be defeated by God’s authority and power carried out in his life.
David did not shrink back when his brother questions and accuses him. Rather, he turns away and speaks again to the people (1 Samuel 17:30). He was the youngest brother, yet he carried God’s authority when he spoke out against Goliath.
David faced rejection from his immediate family, yet he was confident, unwavering, and held his ground in the belief that His Father, God, was for him and the Israelites in the situation they all faced. Perhaps you are dealing with real or perceived rejection. Can you start to believe that a victory is promised and granted because of your fellowship with the Father?
Today’s Prayer: Father we come to You as sons and daughters. Grant us the confidence to know that we can stand upon the foundation of Your Word, that You are for us, not against us. That it is Your presence in our lives that defeats the enemy, the strongholds, and the battles we are facing. Grant us confident, unwavering faith that You will give us the strength to not only stand in the battle, but run into the battle knowing it is already won. In Jesus’ name!
Today’s Challenge: Ask the Holy Spirit where in your life you have accepted words of defeat, then ask Him to replace those words with His promises of life and victory.