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David’s tragic fall teaches us that there are no human heroes in the Bible. David teaches us how even the worst sins can be found in even the best of all people. David’s tragic fall, however, teaches us that no mistake is final and that ultimately there is a final story of redemption in the coming of a final savior.

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What are you most passionate about and foolishly in love with? David’s foolish dance demonstrates the joy of being near God’s presence. This dance also shows us God’s foolish heart to come near to us in Jesus.

What does it mean to live mercifully in a world of anger and judgment? David’s sparing of Saul’s life shows us the beauty of mercy. This story mirrors the big story of God’s mercy to his enemies and how we can live free from judgment.

David didn’t win wars alone but in a great community of broken men. At the cave of Adullam David gathered together a group of wounded people with very little to lose. David’s men show us what true community looks like today. The church is a collection of wounded people who share a common brokenness. But it is also a community of forgiven saints who fight for each other as we journey together to our ultimate destination.

Saul’s jealousy leads him to finally want to murder David. But through a series of interventions by Jonathan and finally a great escape aided by Michal, David is able to find safety with the prophet Samuel. David’s adventure mirrors the greater story of God’s salvation and purpose in all of our lives. God’s purpose of our lives is for us to enter into this greater adventure of rescue, purpose and mission.

David constantly faced treats and traps set by King Saul. But along the way God turned all of Saul’s evil into an ultimate good for David. This story of David shows us the power of God’s providence in our lives. God’s invisible hand continues to protect, guide and redeem all of his people.

As David grows in popularity, Saul’s jealousy also grows. Saul’s envy turns to anger, rage and fear. Saul shows us the danger of envy in all of our lives. We live in a time when we are constantly tempted to compare ourselves to friends around us. David shows us the power of contentment and points us to our true treasure in Jesus.

The power of David’s life was not only God’s Spirit but also spiritual relationships. Unlike the loner heroes of the past, David's strength was found in the many men that constantly surrounded him. David’s relationship with Jonathan shows us the power of real friendship in our lives. Spiritual friendships are built on promises, service and grace. True spiritual friendships ultimately point us to our friendship in Jesus who will never leave us.

The most memorable Biblical story involves a small shepherd boy who destroys a powerful giant. But beyond the drama we see God’s greater story of how he always brings us into these dark valleys where he teaches us to trust Him. God archives his victory not through sheer power but through weakness. Ultimately in our story God has come to stand in our place and overcome our greatest enemy in our true David, Jesus.

David begins his story as a small shepherd boy, overlooked by his family. Even after he is anointed by God to be the next king, his next job comes as a musician to help calm King Saul. From these small beginnings, God is preparing David for great things. In contrast to the power of Saul, God is concerned about the heart of David. We learn through David’s beginning the power of weakness, the greatness of smallness and cultivating your heart to seek after the most important things.