One that most everyone still knows. Which is saying something considering our culture today.
David & Goliath.
Boy versus Giant.
Great story.
I've heard a lotta different takes on it.
Most of them had to do with faith.
David had faith in Israel's God.
David had faith he would win.
David showed lack of faith by taking 5 stones instead of just 1.
(Yeah, I thought that last one was a special kinda of stupid, too.)
The story is always about David, Goliath, Saul, & David's brothers.
Movies have been made.
TV specials.
Storybooks by the score.
But what about those three guys in the front line of Israel's battle formation?
"Ah, nuts, Benny. Whydcha pick this spot? Ya gonna get us killed!"
"So how was I s'pose ta know Goliath's tent was on THIS end of the valley? I got us outta the middle, didn't I?"
"Look at his TENT! Ya think they made it that tall for his pet giraffe?!!"
"So that's the thanks I - oh, shoot. Look-down-look-down-look-down. Don't make eye contact! If he sees fear he might attack."
"Too late. I already soiled my tunic."
"Hey, who's the kid?"
"Oh my gosh - isn't that Jesse's youngest?"
"The Harp Kid? You gotta be kiddin'! He gonna rock that guy to sleep with a lullabye?"
"Maybe. He stopped to pick up some from the creek."
"Kid can twirl a sling, I'll give 'im that."
"Let's give 'im more room. C'mon, let's move back a row or two."
"Okay. Be subtle."
"Excuse me. Sorry, orders to report to Saul. Yeah. Sorry. Excuse me."
"Hey - what's all the cheering about?"
"Wha - they're running TOWARDS the Philistines?!!"
"HEY! WHAT HAPPENED?!!!"
Yeah.
Sometimes the "logical" and "smart" thing to do is the opposite of what He wants me to do.
And I miss the miracle He has in store for me by doing the "smart" thing.
The "easy" and "comfortable" thing.
And maybe that's why life seems so stagnant and predictable, like most of the TV sitcoms. Yeah. Boooring.
No incredibleness.
No awe.
No "AWE-SOME!!!".
There are no giants falling.
No great battles being won.
Just a non-miraculous, mundane existence, avoiding risk to arrive safely at death.
From what I've read, it seems that the miracle He longs to provide comes somewhere between picking up the stones and running towards the Giant.
Victory lies in the direction He points.
And that's away from the paralyzing homeostasis of the world and its ideas.
Yeah.
So.
The rock goes in here, huh?
And I run that way, right?
Okay. Swing and run.
Swing...and run.
Swing...and...run...
Kinda wish I would'a brought my inhaler.
But He'll take care of that, too, I'm sure.