In our meditation yesterday, we showcased Joseph as an odd man who later became a saviour to his family and Egypt. Today, we see another odd man in David. It must have seemed like eternity – those forty days and forty nights that Goliath stood to assault Israel. Not only did this champion from the coast of Philistines intimidate the people of Israel, but he also made Israel’s God look small. That was what David could not take. He volunteered to go and fight the giant. His elder brother challenged him, seeing him as nothing more than an ambitious young lad who could not tell his right from his left. David was an odd man in the whole of Israel, because no one had an answer to the gauntlet that the Philistine threw down for many days. We noted previously that we can be positive even though we are odd. David proved this. We also noted then that when we choose to be odd in the name of God and for the sake of His kingdom, we risk being attacked by multitudes who want to play safe. This was also proved by the reprimand that David received from his brother.

Those who want to make a difference must identify a kingdom’s cause and stand boldly for it.

This story shows that even though it may be costly to be odd, it has its blessings. By standing out, David redeemed the name of the Lord that was being dragged in the mud. Of course, he made a name for himself too in the process. His bold and timely step saved Israel from the servitude of the Philistines. And it was just a matter of time before he would become the captain of the people for whom he had risked his life. One critical lesson today is this: when David’s brother tried to stop him, he replied, “Is there not a cause?” Those who want to make a difference must identify a kingdom’s cause and stand boldly for it.