Readings for today: 1 Samuel 17-20, Psalms 59
Everyone loves the story of David and Goliath. David is the ultimate underdog going up against an overwhelming opponent. David represents the powerless overthrowing the powerful. The oppressed rising up against their oppressor. The weak and vulnerable finding the courage to fight back against the strong and tyrannical. He represents anyone who’s ever felt marginalized, ostracized, persecuted or put down. And that’s why we love it so much. It’s also why we use it to describe upsets in sports or elections or even the clash of nation states in global diplomacy.
Of course, as is so often the case, we miss the main point of the story. The story is not about David. It’s not about “slaying our giants.” It’s not about overcoming obstacles or adversity. It’s about God intervening to make His name known and bring glory to Himself. Listen to how David describes it again, “You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel’s troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day God is handing you over to me. I’m about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there’s an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn’t save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God—he’s handing you to us on a platter!” (1 Samuel 17:45-47 MSG)
The battle belongs to the Lord. God is handing you over to me. I fight you in the name of the Lord of hosts. David clearly understands this fight has nothing to do with him. He’s just the instrument God will use to bring about a victory. David doesn’t need Saul’s armor. Doesn’t need a sword or shield. He fights using the same tools of the trade that preserved him in the wilderness as he watched over his father’s flocks. A shepherd’s staff. A sling. Some stones. David’s confidence is not in his accuracy. Not in his agility. Not in his strength. David has complete confidence in God as he goes out to fight his enemy. And he is confident God will bring about the victory so the whole earth will know there’s an extraordinary God in Israel.
Fast forward several hundred years. David’s descendent fights a battle in a garden called Gethsemane. His fight is not against flesh and blood. It’s against an enemy far more powerful and malevolent than a ten foot giant. Jesus is contending with the devil himself. Battling through prayer and anxiety as He begins His journey towards Golgotha. Like his forefather, David, Jesus doesn’t place His trust in Himself but in His Heavenly Father. He knows His sacrifice is necessary to save the world from the tyranny of sin and death. He knows His victory will bring glory to His Father and the whole world will marvel at the great thing God has done in sending His only begotten Son. Today is Good Friday and this is what we celebrate. The victory of God Himself over the principalities and powers of this dark world.
Friends, God is still fighting on our behalf. Though the victory has been won and the decisive blow has been struck, the enemy will not go quietly in defeat. He still prowls around like a lion looking to devour everyone he can before he finally falls. Thankfully, we do not need to be afraid. We do not need to be anxious for the Lord of hosts is on our side! The great God of Israel is still fighting our battles and bringing glory to His great name!
Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 21-24, Psalms 91