For 40 Days – Day 20: Intimidation: Consequences

Key Episode Scripture: 1 Samuel chapters 16-18

Then the princes of the Philistines came out to battle, and as often as they came out David had more success than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was highly esteemed. (1 Samuel 18:30 ESVUK)

David vs Goliath. If you want an immediately recognisable bible story, few are as memorable as that. The thing that some observers take away is how a puny little boy beat a giant of a man with a sling and a stone. They’re inspired by how the little guy can beat the big guy with just a little faith.

The approach that we’ve had to this story, however, paints a very different picture. The context showed how Israel was at a pivotal stage in its development as they were to upgrade the quality of their leader. The content showed how the real struggle that was taking place was not so much David vs Goliath as it was spiritual vs fearful – with the real opponent to David not being an uncircumcised thug from out of the covenant but the one who had previously been anointed and was still in position but without the power. The concepts zoomed in on the importance of leadership and anointing before our conclusions challenged us to see beyond what meets the eye and carefully note the direction of leadership.

All of that can be read, and we can nod along with the conclusions and have a new appreciation of the story. As it’s the Word of God, though, that leads us to Jesus and moves us to obey His will by His Spirit, there are consequences for us to consider for the mission today.

Mission Requires Us to Understand We Are Anointed to Serve

David cannot do what he does unless he’s anointed. He is not in a position to rush the Philistine champion unless he’s prepared by God in training and focused on God in trusting Him for victory. God uniquely equips and prepares David for the mission. Jesus also recognised He was anointed for the mission, as He declared in Luke 4 with reference to what Isaiah had foretold. He also ensured that all those who followed Him would likewise be anointed to serve. As has been famously stated, God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Those sent by Him do so as specifically equipped and empowered by His Spirit. There must be a conscious reminder and understanding that this is how we operate. Great exploits are achieved by operating this way. By great exploits – that’s not about how man views things. It’s about how we fulfil the calling on our lives, especially in the light of the following …

Mission Needs Us to Expect Opposition and Overcome Fear with Faith

Israel faced opposition to its existence. David saw resistance from his own family, let alone, later on, the king of the country. Enemies wanted to defeat, oppress, subdue, or, if possible, eliminate them. This opposition was not just against the individual. It defied the One who established as a people in the Promised Land. There’s also the understanding that the opposition does not just have to come from outsiders. Those in significant positions of influence may also resist and oppose God’s chosen because they no longer look to God – they’ve rejected God and prefer to depend on themselves, especially their vaunted sense of self-worth by their position. The opposition and resistance should be expected. It should be expected and observed for what it is. It’s nothing against us, primarily – an act of defiance to the one, true living God. Whether from within or without, God’s mission proceeds as those called, equipped and empowered by Him exercise their responsibilities to deal appropriately with the opposition. Sometimes, it might require something overt and clinical. Sometimes, it might require a more subtle, humble and meek approach that doesn’t fight fire with fire but overcomes evil with good. All for the sake of the accomplishment of the mission.

Mission Challenges Us to Trust God for Timing

David was a boy and was anointed as king. He did not become king immediately for all to recognise. His journey took him to serve in the palace. His journey required him to remain humble and obedient to his father at home. His journey required him to arrive at the battleground at the right time to lift the cloud of fear for the sunshine of God’s righteousness to shine through. His journey required him to remain loyal and committed to an institution that turned against him and set traps for his downfall. As Goliath wasn’t defeated before that time, so David served and displayed his credentials and only assumed the position in due time. The mission demands that those in it trust God for the right timing. This is why patience is a hallmark of those who operate in line with the leading of the Spirit. This is why those who pray know they often must persevere in prayer. It is those that endure to the end that are saved. Those who remain good and faithful servants shall receive the crown of life. Those on the mission are right to expect God to show up and be glorified through the enemy defeated and the Kingdom rule expressed in various ways. That expectation, however, doesn’t place a demand on the timing of God. As David served and persevered, so those on mission serve, endure and persevere by the same Spirit that equips and empowers them to overcome all types of opposition in the fullness of time.

Next, from the heights of overcoming intimidation, we move to a sobering, necessary encounter that would address one faithful man’s dark night of the soul in Man’s End.

For His Name’s Sake

C. L. J. Dryden

Shalom