I Am Because You Are September 22, 2025 Devotional

1 SAMUEL 17:34-36 | ³⁴ But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father, and whenever a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, ³⁵ I went after it and struck it down, rescuing the lamb from its mouth, and if it turned against me, I would catch it by the jaw, strike it down, and kill it. ³⁶ Your servant has killed both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, since he has defied the armies of the living God.”

This exchange between David and Saul reveals much about the life of a Judean shepherd. Saul questions David’s capacity to fight the Philistine Goliath. He can’t carry Saul’s armor and has no battlefield experience.

David replies that he’s had to defend the flock from bears and lions and has done so successfully. He has dealt with one-on-one threats of a mortal variety. Shepherds used their staffs to engage with predators and had to be ready for such encounters at any time. A good shepherd is vigilant, courageous, and sacrificial in defense of his flock.

Can you think of a time Jesus defended His flock of disciples?

Gracious God,

We too face predators in the spiritual realm. We know You are equal to any attack. You are the best Shepherd.

Amen.