SUNDAY June 9, 2019
Renewed Courage
Now the men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted, and pursued the Philistines as far as the entrance of the valley and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell along the road to Shaaraim, even as far as Gath and Ekron. Then the children of Israel returned from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their tents. And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent.
1 Samuel 17:52-54
Saul, the men of Israel, and the Philistines had watched David defeat Goliath in amazement! The giant was dead! David had done all the work. Saul saw the victory and told his men, “Now we can fight and take over the battle.” David had great influence on the men of Israel. He had renewed their courage. Israel pursued the Philistines full force.
David kept the head of the giant Goliath as a trophy. In fact, he carried his head around for several days! David was not morbid; he was a leader with incredible courage. His victory won in battle was not so he could establish a name for himself; he wanted God to get the glory.
There are courageous Christians who battle to lay the groundwork of a ministry, and others build on their accomplished work. The Apostle Paul taught that as believers work together in the ministry, one person is not more important than another. God works through each person––for the same purpose––building His Church. God is the one who gets the glory:
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it (1 Corinthians 3:9-10).
Remember, the Church was purchased by Christ’s precious blood (Acts 20:28). He is the only foundation on which we are to build.
For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
~1 Corinthians 3:11~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!