What have I done now?

We are all familiar with the courage and strength of David. But have you ever considered what it must have been like for his older brothers to be shown up by their little brother?

1 Samuel 17:26-29 Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, "What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" And the people answered him in this manner, saying, "So shall it be done for the man who kills him." Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab's anger was aroused against David, and he said, "Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle." And David said, "What have I done now? Is there not a cause?"

Could it be that David's faith and courage in volunteering to fight Goliath was an embarrassment to his big brother Eliab,who was an officer in King Saul's army?

I can only imagine that his thinking went something like this...

If my little brother wins everybody will ask, 'How come you didn't go out and fight him?

The above mentioned passage shows us that Davids brother was burned with anger towards David and he asks, "why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is…”

What devastating words from an older brother. Before David could defeat Goliath, he first had to overcome the attitudes, accusations and words, of those close around him.

Whenever we make the decision to step out and follow God, it will surely put pressure on others to  come against you. You will be attacked, belittled and criticized. Just like David, this opposition will surely come from among those closest to you.

David's brother Eliab tried to hinder David, but David was empowered by God to slay Goliath. Nothing could stand in the way. When you feel such opposition, stand your ground, and ask the question that David asked...

"What have I done now? Isn't there a job to be done?"

Then go ahead and get 'er done!