SLAYING ANOTHER GIANT

A bewildering crisis had come upon Israel. A low cloud of fear hung over the nation like the sword of Damocles. Every boast and threat Goliath uttered struck demoralizing fear into the hearts of Israel's soldiers.

Think of this enemy the nation of Israel was up against! Goliath stood over nine feet tall (I Sam. 17:4). We can easily understand why Saul's army was intimidated by this giant.

A few present-day athletes are well over seven feet tall. Goliath stood over nine feet tall. Goliath was more than two feet taller. The tallest man recorded in American history was Robert Wadlow who lived in Alton, Illinois, near St. Louis, Missouri. Wadlow grew to a height of eight feet eleven inches. Born in 1918, he died in 1940 with a foot infection.

A life-sized statue of Wadlow stands in a city park in his hometown. My wife took my picture as I stood at the statue's elbow. I am six feet tall. When Wadlow was in the ninth grade, he was over seven feet tall.

The Philistines were a fierce, war-like people. Israel's pastoral people were no match for such belligerent hordes.

The giant's taunting voice caused the knees of every man in Saul's army to buckle, from the king down to the newest recruits. In view of their illustrious history, however, it seems almost inexplicable that God's people could be so intimidated by a godless and pagan enemy. 

In view of the many past victories of God's people when they marched triumphantly under the banner of the Almighty, one would think Israel should have been easily motivated to press forward against the arrogant giant and other Philistine warriors with the expectation of conquering them in the power of the Lord (cf. Ps. 27:1).

In God's providence, David, the shepherd boy, entered Israel's history at a timely juncture around 1,000 B.C.

David had learned from personal experience how God could care for him in difficult times. With holy zeal in his soul, David was unafraid when he arrived at Israel's campsite. He had come to bring provisions and supplies to his brothers in the army (I Sam, 17:17-18).

No sooner was David in the camp than he heard the arrogant, boastful outbursts of Goliath that terrified King Saul and his men (I Sam. 17:23-24). All his life David had been taught that soldiers were to be courageous and strong, but in his spirit, he must have sensed that the giant was making a terrible mistake to “Defy the armies of the living God” (I Sam. 17:26).

With everyone in Saul's army overcome by fear, David said to Saul, “Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine” (I Sam. 17:32). David then spoke of the Lord's faithfulness in giving him victory over a lion and a bear as he tended his sheep (vss. 34—36).

There is a lesson for all of us here as we observe how easily King Saul evaded his responsibility. Failing to discourage David what seemed to be certain defeat, Saul finally said, “Go, and the Lord be with you” (I Sam.17:37). 

People in ancient times acted much as they do today. Saul found it easier to pray for and wish another Godspeed than to personally go into battle and assume his rightful part in a national commitment. Many today find it easier to pray for missions than to give regularly in support of global evangelism. It is easier to pray for a pastor than to show love for him by doing deeds of kindness.

It is sad that in all church work, only about 20 percent of the people do 80 percent of the work.

As a way of helping David, Saul dressed him in his own battle gear, which consisted of a “helmet of brass,” “a coat of mail,” and “a sword” (I Sam. 17:38-39).

Probably realizing he would be slowed down in Saul's armor, David discarded this excessive baggage. He then prepared for the battle (I Sam. 17:39).

Saul's weapons symbolized what Paul called “the flesh” (cf. II Cor. 10:2—4). Failure is always near for those who attempt to serve the Lord in the flesh, or by self-efforts. God blesses service that draws on and relies on His enabling power (I Sam. 17:47).

David prepared for battle by taking “five smooth stones out of the brook” (I Sam.17:40). Did you ever wonder how much David had already practiced with his sling? He knew a smooth stone would fly straight to the target, whereas a jagged rock would wobble and likely miss the mark. Bible study, prayer, and witnessing will make smooth the rough edges in a Christian's life.

The giant and his shield bearer no doubt expected a quick victory as they “drew near unto David” (I Sam. 17:41). In defiant self-confidence, the giant “disdained (David); for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance” (vs. 42). The word “youth” probably means David was in his late teens.

David countered the tirades of Goliath, saying, “I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (I Sam. 17:45). The phrase “Lord of hosts” refers here to the Lord who gives victory to His people in battle.

As fearless and courageous as a lioness or a mother eagle would be in protecting her young, David was confident of God's deliverance as he moved to champion God's cause.

The stone that David cast was divinely guided to strike the giant's forehead.

Wounded mortally, the boastful giant fell to the ground (I Sam. 17:46—52). Israel's army had watched the battle from the mountainside, and now they gave a victorious cry and began chasing the fleeing Philistines.

Does a giant in your life hinder your walk with and service for the Lord? Satan may use that giant to block your path, In First Thessalonians 2:18 the word “hindered” refers to a “roadblock”

“Fear” is a common giant that many Christians need to slay. Fear often stymies. As a mother tucked her young daughter into bed with a prayer and words of comfort, she assured the child of the Lord's presence and care during the night. In a short time, however, the little girl stood at the top of the stairs, fearfully holding her doll. When asked why she was out of bed, the child answered, Mommie, “God is not home tonight.” 

Are you ever afraid? Though David defeated Goliath, the victory did not give the beloved king of Israel immunity from fear in other situations. He learned, as most of us know, that today's victory does not guarantee all will be well the next day. Among the synonyms for “fear” are “dread, fright, alarm, panic, terror, trepidation (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary).

Fear can produce dread, resulting in apprehension and anxiety. A famous preacher, Spurgeon, said, “Many a saint goes through life fearful at times that he will drown in water in a cart rut.”

Fear can cause sleepless nights and restless days that oppress the soul, impeding spiritual progress and robbing the spirit of joyful praise. Someone has listed 288 fears that hound the footsteps of people. Six of the most common things people fear are: poverty, criticism, rejection, illness, old age, and death.

Some people fear rejection more than anything else—even more than death.

Some fear high places while others fear low places. Some fear open places, while others fear being squeezed into a close place. 

Like despair, fear can grip a person with overwhelming power. It can be helpful at such times to remember that the spiritual stalwarts of Bible times were afflicted by fear.

Abraham, a great example of faith (Heb. 11:17—19), was called “the friend of God” (Jas. 2:23). God instructed him “Not to fear” (Gen. 15:1). Joshua, the great Captain of God's people, was told “Not to fear” (Josh. 1:9).

The prophet Isaiah was assured of victory over fear in the following comforting promise, “Fear you not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isa. 41:10).

The Apostle Paul wrote of victory over fear, saying, “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Tim. 1:7). The word for “fear” speaks of “timidity” or “cowardice.” The words “sound mind” contain the thought of self-control or good sense.

As you draw upon the Lord's strength, you are empowered to serve him boldly, courageously, and without fear. It is beneficial and wise to trust in the Lord's power and provision at all times (Pas. 17:1; cf. Phil. 4:13).

The Apostle John wrote, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear; because fear has torment. He who fears is not made perfect (mature) in love” (I John 4:18). The words, “Fear has torment,” remind us that fear punishes us when we take our eyes off the Lord.

Fear is a hard taskmaster and brings discomfort to our mind and body. When fear comes, we should seek refuge, at the higher Rock (Ps. 61:2). Perfect love is mature and has learned to trust in God at all times.

It is a nourishing truth to see: the Lord is “over” us (I Pet.3:12); “underneath” us (Deut, 33:27); “in” us (John 14:20); “for” us (Rom. 8:31); and is working through us (I Cor. 3:9).

Fear sees things that are near, while faith looks at the larger picture and trusts the Lord Who is above all (Ps. 11:4).

Faith conquers fear while claiming the promises of God. In delivering the believer from fear, the Lord comes to him with His presence, power, and protection. Our circumstances at times may be a cause of fear. Jesus's disciples suddenly found themselves in a churning storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35—40). Jesus had said unto them, “Let us pass over unto the other side.” which meant a safe passage. The storms along the way cannot negate the Lord's faithfulness. 

While crossing the Sea of Galilee, a boisterous storm caused by fierce winds, the disciples were alarmed, but the Lord calmed the disturbance (Mark 4:39). Regardless, of what might befall us on the journey of life, we can be sure our all-wise God will make no mistakes. In every storm He will care for His own (Ps. 55:22; I Pet. 5:7). Since 11 September 2001. many people have feared the future, knowing that life and possessions are not guaranteed, even for one day (cf. Jas. 4:14). Christians know the Lord holds the future. Nothing can escape His omniscience, omnipotence, or omnipresence (cf. Rom. 11:33—35).

In facing the future, consider God's keeping presence (II Tim. 1:12); God's leading (Job 23:10); God's timing (II Tim. 4:5—8); and God's provisions (II Cor. 5:1—8). Trusting and resting in the Lord, brings joy to the soul, stability to the spirit, and serenity to the heart.