MODELS OF IMPACT FROM YOUTH (1)

“You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth” – 1 Samuel 17:33

David the Shepherd-King is one of the Bible MODELS of IMPACT from YOUTH: “And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth” (1 Sam.17:33). As a young shepherd boy, he was anointed as king in place of Saul (1Sam.16: 11-13). His is a classic case of youthful opportunity with an early life marked by courage and faith, as seen in this battle, and his confidence in God's deliverance: "The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, he will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine…" (v.37).

Although King David is a complex figure and a nuanced Biblical role model, with qualities that can be viewed as both positive and negative, he undoubtedly maximized his youthful years, investing them in life-building priorities. David’s virtues included: leadership, boldness, courage, faith, and compassion. His vices included: moral failings, conflict and violence, and family challenges, such as rebellion and siblings’ strife. However, his youth was a time when he developed skills, faith, and leadership that would define his future reign. This balanced view can help young people learn from both his strengths and weaknesses.

David was a diligent youth, not the type to be found idle or doing nothing. Though the youngest son, he responsibly ran errands for his aged father, Jesse and cared for his brothers’ welfare (1 Sam.17: 12-18). He took his father’s business seriously and did it with all his heart, just as he did his future assignments for God. No wonder, he pursued and killed the lion and the bear that came to steal the lambs (vv.34-36). He had faith in God to deliver him from Goliath just as God did from the two beasts!

David was also skillful and excellent in playing the harp. His diligence and gift brought him before King Saul (1Sam.16:16-18). This same diligence made him stand before the King again when he wanted to go out to face Goliath: “Now when the words which David spoke were heard, they reported them to Saul; and he sent for him. Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine” (vv.31-32). David fulfilled Proverbs 22:29 – “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”

David’s consistency with excellence made a way for him, and after the encounter with Goliath, not only the king but the whole of Israel knew him – he needed no more introductions!