The Times News has teamed up with area clergy to share ‘Words of Comfort’ twice a week in our print edition and online at . Any member of the clergy who’d like to get involved can contact Allison Winters at awinters@sixriversmedia.com.
The Times News has teamed up with area clergy to share ‘Words of Comfort’ twice a week in our print edition and online at . Any member of the clergy who’d like to get involved can contact Allison Winters at awinters@sixriversmedia.com.
David and Goliath… It’s the classic tale of good and evil, faith and fear. On one hand, you have the scrappy, undersized, audacious David, unknown and unlooked for. He had promise, potential, and anointing as a future king. But the Israelite army at Elah hadn’t heard that and probably wouldn’t have believed it even if they had.
On the other hand, you have Goliath, Philistine Champion from Gath. He was every bit the warrior and hero people expected. In stature and fame, he was a giant. In a miraculous turn of events, David kills Goliath with a sling and a stone. Taking Goliath’s sword, he removes the giant’s head and the assembled armies disperse.
Most of us are familiar with that story. Some of you will know that David goes on to service in the court of King Saul. Eventually his fame and promise run afoul of the King who, in fear and anger, seeks to kill David thereby eliminating a rival to his throne.
David goes on the run taking with him a band of outlaws. He has no food and no weapons. He has few friends (though the ones he has are fiercely loyal).
Feeling betrayed, tired, and desperate, he goes to the Tabernacle and meets Ahimelech the priest. In an unprecedented move (and clearly sensing the great need), the priest gives David and his men the “Bread of the Presence†from the Tabernacle. But wait! There’s more…
“Don’t you have a sword or spear here?†asked David.
“The only sword we’ve got is the Sword of Goliath the Philistine whom you slew in the Valley of Elah,†replied the priest.
David said, “There’s none like it; give it to me.â€
Whatever else is going on here, there’s one clear application for today. The sword of Goliath was more than just a sword. It was a reminder of triumph and victory in David’s life.
It was a reminder of a time when the Battle belonged to the Lord and God came through. And here, at a point in David’s life where things looked pretty bleak, he needed that tangible reminder.
Was there a moment in your life where things looked bleak and God came through? Maybe you feel a bit like David in the wilderness today. Or maybe not. But odds are good, you will at some point. So, what might it look like to go back to your “sword of Goliath�
What might it do to think back on what God has done and how he’s come through in your life? It’s my prayer that this encourages you to remember God’s faithfulness today and my hope that you make a great day!Stephen Hopkins is Leadership Coach and Consultant with Summit Leadership and the Director of Houses of Healing, a non-profit Christian ministry here in the Tri-Cities.
