1 Sam 17:57
Then, as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 

I was listening (yes I said listening) to this text recently and this verse really jumped out at me. David had just gone through a virtually impossible battle and yet came out victorious. When I say impossible; the entire Israeli Army were not willing to take on this battle, they wanted no part of it. However, this young teenager (David) would step up and do what even the King’s top Generals weren’t willing to do, go against the Philistines Giant.  What can we take from that?  David’s Courage, we need to be courageous and attack those giants in our lives that seem impossible.

However, that is not what jumped off the virtual page for me.  The actions David took following his victory.  You know there are a lot of times when we are in the midst of a battle, we become so consumed with figuring our way out or what it will take to win. So much so that the minute we’re done we drop everything and celebrate.  While we go directly to God with our desires to fight our giant or overcome the challenging situation; how often do we forget to return to God after the victory.  David in this text, goes from victory to honor to evangelism.  Let’s see how his actions after the greatest breakthrough can help us to respond to the blessings in our own lives.    

1. David Routed His Enemy: vs Then, as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine. The text says that David slaughtered the Philistine (Goliath). If you’re a sports guy like myself the term “rout” is often used when talking about dominating your opponent. A rout is when you jump on top of the other team and then relentlessly don’t let up until the game is over. So much so the other team eventually just gives in. David did just that, He jumped at the chance to attack Goliath, the text says “that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.” The little shepherd boy annihilated this great warrior and just as David told Goliath, he “came in the name of the LORD.” Just as David took on His giant with God as his source of power, we can and should do the same. 
   
2. David Returned to the King: vs Abner took him and brought him before Saul. What was David’s first stop after defeating Goliath? The King. After his biggest victory, David made a b-line for the Throne. When God gives us the victory, we should return to the King of Glory and acknowledge His favor and power. Don’t believe me, then let’s check with Jesus: after cleansing 10 Lepers He said this when one of those healed returned to worship: “So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” The Samaritan returned and worshiped Jesus who’d given him the victory over leprosy. 
   
3. David Rendered the Evidence: vs brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. When David returned to the King, he showed up with the head of the Giant. He came back with the evidence of his victory. The word render actually means to “provide or give (a service).”  David was giving confirmation to King Saul that the task was indeed completed.  It became his visual testimony. Testimonies are powerful and the book of Revelations reminds us of that fact in chapter 12 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Our testimonies can give hope to others going through similar personal battles, increase the faith of other believers, and may draw non-believers to Christ. 

As we see David’s actions going into his biggest challenge and after his greatest victory; I believe we can see his heart (A Man After God’s Own Heart) towards Authority.  As well as the roadmap he gives us to show our gratitude to the Lord for the many victories He’s given us.  The Truth is, God will continue to bless us because He loves us; He has made it possible for all our sins to be forgiven (if we will believe in Him and His loving sacrifice).  Whether we give Him praise or not He will bless us, however when we make it a lifestyle of honoring Him, His Mercy and Grace extended towards us, just like the one Leper who returned to worship Jesus; we will also be made whole.