The Bible, You and Me
I read it differently this time. Sometimes we see what we want to see. Sometimes we see what we need to see when we are ready. Often, in the past, I read Bible passages with the thought of those characters as great and meek. Those people. The courageous heroes, the scared, the brave, and the detestable. But not me.
Something shifted for me. It was right there in front of me. It was me and my perspective that got in the way. If we detach ourselves, we can view the stories from the stands and not worry about what we would have to do in the arena.
Read this passage, and see if you can see what I saw this time. How does it relate to you and me? Is this not a great example of how God asks us to live our lives?
1 Samuel 17
38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened his sword over the tunic and tried walking around because he was not used to them.
“I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So, he took them off.40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag, and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
41 Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield-bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. 42 He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, “Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!”
45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day, the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.
50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand, he struck down the Philistine and killed him.
David first realized the world’s ways (Saul’s armor and sword) did not fit him. It would make sense to take a sword into battle. But what if that was not the weapon you were trained in? Would it not be clumsy and easily defeated? David made a choice to leave the unfamiliar weapon behind and instead used what he did have that he had experience and skill with.
David prepared. He found the five smooth stones. Why smooth stones? Well, it makes sense. From his experience, he knew what he needed for his trusty slingshot. You and I need to prepare and use what we do have.
David also declared and ran toward Goliath, proclaiming that he comes at him in the name of the Lord. That is faith. That is trusting in Him. Wow. His action is inspiring. I don’t know about you, but I’m not sure I have that kind of faith. I have some, and I can use that to build my faith. You?
You and I need to understand God’s ways are not our earthly ways (Saul’s Armor), and then prepare (David chose 5 smooth stones from the stream- his experience), declare, and run towards our Goliath in God’s name.
Goliath represents fear. What is it you fear? You are not alone. We all have our own unique Goliath’s. Maybe it is a simple, tough conversation that you need to have. Maybe an action you need to take? Where are you being nudged that you resist?
This is about the part you and I play. Your role in God’s plan. David had to pick up the rocks and run at Goliath, declaring God’s rule without a sword. What you and I do and how we do it can inspire and encourage those around us.
Please, stop waiting for the right sword and run forward in faith today. There is only one perfect time. Now! When you get a nudge from the Holy Spirit. I’m suggesting to you as I remind myself. Move forward with what you do have and where you are at in faith. God’s got you.
(Reminder, this is just a journal of my mistakes, experiences, and thoughts, along with my journey to having a closer relationship with God. I do not claim to be an authority on the subject. If you want to know The Way, read The Bible.)
What church do I attend? Verve Church in Las Vegas
http://vivalaverve.org
P.S. Thank you, especially, for grace.
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Thats true, “people see what they want to see.” I know that as one prays and meditates on the bible, more hidden information will be reviled. That is the holy spirit working on you. It’s like the wind, you cannot see it, but you will feel it as you get closer to God.