|
GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue #359 December 21, 2001 Battle of the Giants
"Battle Of The Giants" sounds like the headline for a sporting event. Actually, it’s sort of a continuation of yesterday’s Gleanings "We Want A King." I want to look at a familiar Bible story in a different light. I’m going to look at some of the symbolism behind the story, but the story is real, it happened just as the Bible describes. Picture a large open plain, with hills on either side. Encamped on the hills are two armies intent on destroying each other, each army commanded by a giant. On one side we have the Israelites led by their king, Saul. While not a true giant in the sense that his opponent is, he was taller than all the people of Israel. They ran and brought him out, and as he stood among the people he was a head taller than any of the others. 1 Samuel 10:23 NIV On the other hilltop stands the champion of the Philistine army, the evil giant we’ve grown up known as the villain Goliath. He was a true giant A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. He was over nine feet tall. 1 Samuel 17:4 NIV The two armies are at a standstill, until shepherd boy and soon to be hero David arrives on the scene. David is full of faith The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you." 1 Samuel 17:37 NIV You know the story (although it is worth rereading 1 Samuel 17), David goes out with His sling and five stones and kills Goliath and the army of Israel is victorious. We know that, what’s this symbolism business? Saul, appointed King of Israel to appease their desire to have a king and government from the world, represents all the man made institutions whose mandate it is to fight evil and injustice. Goliath on the other hand is champion of the enemies of Israel and represents the evils of this world. Neither will defeat each other, they will battle on until eternity without divine intervention. Enter David, an average guy, full of faith and willing to put that faith to work. He breaks the deadlock, defeats evil and eventually becomes the leader of Israel. So it is to this day. Well-intentioned programs, plans and governments fight evil and injustice without victory. They do good things and help a lot of people, but can never be victorious. Ordinary Davids filled with the power of God must take up the fight. We fight by teaching others about Jesus and loving them as we love ourselves. In the long run, that is the only way to victory. Will you be the next David and tackle the giants in your life and neighbourhood? Until next time, may you boldly put your faith in God into action in all that you do. God bless. Kevin Do you have a personal relationship with this God of victory? If not, email me and I’ll share a few Bible verses that explain why it is crucial and a prayer that will make it possible. To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential. If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website
 © 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin All Rights Reserved SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE
|
||||
