THE MVP THAT SURPRISED A NATION

1 SAMUEL 17

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Here we have an early “Superbowl”. The teams consisting of the Philistine Raiders [v. 1, 3-7] playing against the underdogs, the Israelite Sheep [v. 2, 11, 24]. The stakes of course were much higher than any current Superbowl’s as this was for [v. 8-10] more than bragging rights, money, super-bowl rings or trips to Disneyworld.

The early high expectations for “Most Valuable Player” were on Goliath [v. 4] who even had his agent with him [v. 7]. But the surprise MVP was a walk-on [v. 12-15], a youth [v. 33], who was somewhat inexperienced [v. 33, 38, 39]. How did he become the MVP for this early historical, Biblical super bowl?

 

I. HE HAD A HEART FOR GOD

1. He believed that God is bigger than an uncircumcised Philistine [v. 26]

2. He believed that God is real [v. 26b]

3. He believed that God is worthy [v. 29] the question is not “is it worth it?” the question is “is He worthy?”

 

II. HE HAD A SPIRIT OF FAITH

1. He believed God Had [v. 32-35]

2. He believed God Could [v. 36-37]

3. He believed God Would [v. 43-47]

 

III. HE HAD A YIELDED WILL

1. He Believed in spite of “friendly” opposition [v. 28-29, 33]

2. He Believed in spite of “expert advice” [v. 38-40]

3. He Believed in spite of an “overconfident enemy” [v. 41-51]

 

How’s your heart? How is your spirit? How is your will?