Who among us doesn’t recall from our childhoods the story of young David, slayer of the Philistine Goliath - a giant! - with only a slingshot and a stone (now the subject of an animated film!)? Do you remember wondering if you might have such courage in similar circumstances? Whether you could be strong in the face of a bully, let along someone larger and older, with more experience in the art of fighting? Perhaps you’re one of the many among us who have had real experience in doing so: still in this 21st Century, Goliath’s bullying exists in many forms. But so does David’s simple courage.
Today’s Old Testament reading (1 Samuel 16:1-13) introduces us to that same boy David (his prowess in felling the giant comes in the next chapter of 1 Samuel!). I had not recalled his ‘selection’ story from my early church teachings - it apparently just didn’t ‘land’ with the same amazement. But with adult eyes - and perhaps the eyes of a parent - it has greater meaning to me today. What I found interesting and worth reflecting on was that David was chosen to be anointed as King of the Israelites from among the eight sons of Jesse, seven of whom were older, wiser, stronger, and seemingly more capable brothers. At the presentation of each of the older sons, Samuel (the Lord’s emissary in this task) thought surely each man in turn would be selected. But the Lord told Samuel, on his incredulity after passing on the oldest son, Eliab: “Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.”
Now, as it turns out, young David happened to be (as told by Samuel) a ruddy, handsome boy with a splendid appearance. But that first impression was not to be God’s deciding criteria, if we follow the quoted words above. David was chosen for what was in his heart.
How often do we wish that others could see us from the inside: past our outward image or presentation; past our flaws, scars, and imperfections; past our masks of false bravado; past our efforts to fit in according to others’ worldly dictates or expectations? But then, perhaps we should ask ourselves: Are we able to trust and know that our God sees past all of those external manifestations, and into our hearts? Can we remember God’s promise to us that we were made - and are - perfect in God’s sight? That we are enough? That we are worthy?
If you’re like me, we don’t know how to hold these truths in our consciousness every day. We forget them when we doubt, when we fear, when we’re weak. So, I for one am happy to be reminded anew of the image of a young boy having been chosen by his God (when many others were available) to lead his people — and that in this choosing, he went on to slay the defiant, boisterous, name-calling bully giant. We, too, were each chosen by God, for good; we are all capable, worthy, and enough. We can all remember the example of David. Amen.
Kimberly Grassmeyer
I’ve been an educator at the postsecondary level for nearly 40 years – both as a Higher Education administrator in Student Affairs work, and as a part-time faculty member – at Creighton University and several other mid-western schools. In the midst of that time, I also worked as a consultant to universities across Canada, the United States and Mexico. It is my honor to be closing out my professional life at Creighton, where my professional, personal and faith values dance together in an enriching partnership.
As a seeker and a sinner I am wholly imperfect, which is to say I am the human that God created me to be. My faith is often quite strong; at other moments it is shaken to its core. I am not a scholar of the Bible nor do I consider myself to be faithful enough or wise enough to lead others in their faith journey…. which is why (apparently) my gracious colleagues believe that I may have something of value to say to the other seekers in the world! I hope that my thoughts and provocations may in some measure provide perspective, pause, laughter, grace, and some peace to you.
