THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:46,47

Verse 47 makes it clear that in addition to the earth needing to know that there is a God in Israel, the assembly needs to know that the Lord does not save with sword or spear. Our battles are God’s. The battle is first spiritual. David’s shepherding foundation taught him that in order for people to realize God was with him, they needed to see results. A dead lion and a dead bear testified to the anointing. In order for nations to see that God was in Israel, they had to see a dead Goliath. In order for the fearful army of Israel to learn that it was not a numerical battle of strength or size, God had to visit! To accept it was not by sword and spear, but it was first a spiritual battle, the people had to see the shepherd boy kill the giant. They had to see the Hand of God in action. David was saying that shepherding has two primary functions. Number one was teaching the church that they do not win with sword and spear but they win with the power of the Spirit. Number two was demonstrating to unbelievers that God was in the church. Failure to connect the perpetration of sin with consequences robs a nation of the fear of the Lord. Goliath’s dead body had a purpose! Without an occasional dead body, we are not pastoring at all. May the shepherds arise!