April 15th, 25: Crossing the Valley of Courage: David's Triumph

Welcome back to the Daily Radio Bible podcast, where we journey together through the scriptures every day. I'm Hunter, your host, brother, and Bible reading coach, here to guide you as we dive into the wild, wonderful, and sometimes strange world of the Bible. Today, we're starting our exploration in 1 Samuel 17, where the legendary tale of David and Goliath unfolds, showcasing God's love for transforming situations and overturning odds with faith and courage. Then, we turn to Psalm 9, a heartfelt song of praise from David himself, celebrating God's justice and protection. Finally, we wrap up in Matthew 2, with the story of the wise men visiting the newborn king, and how God orchestrates events for the preservation of His son amid dangerous times. Join us as we uncover the affirmations of God's power in overcoming giants, and how these timeless lessons resonate with us today. Let's get into God's word and let it speak life into our hearts.

TODAY'S DEVOTION:

God seems to really enjoy reversals where the weapons of an enemy are used against the enemy himself. God has a way of reversing the supposed strength of giants to achieve his victory. Goliath stood defiantly over the people of God. This giant was not just a huge human being. He also had weapons of war. But a young man named David, God’s anointed man, had nothing other than a few smooth stones, a sling, and faith in a God who delights in reversing the strengths of the enemy into weakness. He believed in the God of reversals. So with only a few stones and a sling, God defeated this well-armed giant.

The psalmist David says this over and over again. They have dug a pit in my path, but they themselves have fallen into it. The greatest of all reversals is seen in the cross, a weapon used by the giant enemy of our souls to crucify our Lord. And yet the cross was the very instrument that won our victory from sin, death, and the grave. The cross is the greatest reversal of all. God’s in the business of reversing things, and today is a good day to remember this and rejoice in it.

As on Saturday, the day before Easter, this was a dark and silent day when it looked like the giant had won. In fact, the taunts of the giant were the loudest that had ever been heard. But on Sunday, if we look carefully, we can see God’s appointed shepherd. Not a boy, but a man. And this man was far better than David. He was the rock that made men stumble, the stone that made giants fall. And he has won the victory.

And because of this greatest of all reversals, people from all around the world, like you and me, broken people from every tribe and nation and tongue, can experience the power to overcome one giant after another. God brings about that great reversal for you and me on the cross. Whatever giant you’re facing can be faced today, not with swords or spears or javelins, but in the name of the Lord of heaven’s armies.

That’s the prayer that I have for my own soul. That’s the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my son. That’s the prayer that I have for you. May it be so.