DAVID the SAGE

by Lucas Johnson

We all know the story of David and Goliath—the young shepherd who defeated a giant and went on to become Israel’s greatest king. But what happens when a warrior king can no longer fight? What’s the next chapter when our primary identity no longer fits who we’ve become?

When the Warrior Can’t Fight

Even the greatest among us face this reality. Consider Mike Tyson, once “the baddest man on the planet,” stepping into the ring at 58 years old against Jake Paul. Despite his legendary status, time had caught up with him—he looked stiff and had clearly lost his step.

David faced a similar situation. In 2 Samuel 21:15-17, we find him in battle against the Philistines where “David became weak and exhausted.” A giant named Ishbi-benob nearly killed him before his nephew Abishai came to the rescue. His men declared, “You are not going out to battle again, for why risk snuffing out the light of Israel?”

This 60-year-old warrior king had united Israel, won countless battles, and commanded the respect of the mightiest men in the land. His greatest claim to fame was killing a giant. Yet now, he was too weak to continue fighting—he had lost a step.

The Final Phase: Becoming a Sage

David’s soldiers didn’t tell him to stay off the battlefield because he was useless. Rather, they valued his wisdom for leading the nation more than his physical presence in combat. This brings us to the final phase of David’s life—and potentially ours—shifting into the role of sage.

Being a sage doesn’t mean you can’t still build, create, or adventure. It means focusing on mentoring the next generation rather than competing with them. Our young men and women are struggling partly because they lack mentors. Instead of merely complaining about younger generations, perhaps we should ask ourselves: what have we done to guide them?

What Happens Without Mentors?

1 Samuel 25 shows what can happen without wise guidance. After Samuel’s death (who had been David’s mentor), David nearly made a catastrophic mistake. When a wealthy landowner named Nabal refused to pay David’s men for protection services, David’s response was extreme: “May God strike me and kill me if even one man of his household is left alive tomorrow morning.”

Fortunately, Nabal’s wife intervened and prevented disaster. But what if Samuel had still been alive? Would David have made such a rash decision with his mentor’s guidance? This illustrates the danger each generation faces without strong mentors to help guide them.

David’s Three Keys to Mentorship

Contrary to popular belief, David’s life wasn’t all downhill after his sin with Bathsheba. In his final years, he expertly handed over a thriving kingdom to his son Solomon, who built upon David’s legacy. Leadership transitions are notoriously messy, yet David successfully mentored his successor.

From David’s example in 1 Chronicles, we learn three crucial aspects of mentorship:

1. Encourage

David told Solomon: “Be strong and courageous and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. The Lord God, my God, is with you.” (1 Chronicles 28:20-21)

One of the most impactful things you can be in a younger person’s life is an encourager. People don’t care what you know until they know that you care. Every young person needs to hear:

• You matter to me
• I’m proud of you
• I’m here for you
• You’re doing a great job
• Thank you

David didn’t focus on Solomon’s weaknesses or past mistakes. Instead, he built a relationship and gave him a difficult task with the assurance, “Don’t worry, you’ve got this.”

2. Equip

“Then David gave Solomon the plans for the temple and its surroundings…” (1 Chronicles 28:11-13)

After encouragement comes equipping. David spent six chapters organizing thousands of tons of building materials and tens of thousands of laborers, priests, tribal leaders, musicians, and military leaders needed for the temple. He gave Solomon detailed plans and specifications.

After someone knows you care about them and their success, arm them with the knowledge, skills, and tools they need. Don’t just tell them to “figure it out” or remind them how hard you had it when you started.

3. Set the Example

“Using every resource at my command, I have gathered as much as I could for building the temple of God… I am giving of my own private treasuries of gold and silver… Now then, who will follow my example?” (1 Chronicles 29:1-6)

David didn’t just tell Solomon what to do—he put his money where his mouth is. He donated the equivalent of billions in gold and silver to the temple project, setting the standard and example. As mentors, we must take inventory of our own lives and ensure we’re living in a way others would want to follow.

The Greater Legacy

When David could no longer fight giants himself, his legacy continued through those he mentored. Four other men, including his nephew, became giant-killers in his place. Don’t be afraid of passing on what you’ve built or learned—be more afraid of what you’ve built dying with you when something much greater could be accomplished.

David’s line eventually led to Jesus, the “greater son of David,” who took twelve ordinary men, encouraged them, equipped them, and set the example for them—all the way to his death. He turned the church over to his disciples, and subsequently to us today.

Who are you mentoring? Who are you encouraging, equipping, and setting an example for? The work is plenty, but the workers are few.

LISTEN TO OR WATCH THE FULL SERMON