Day Nine: David, an Exact Representation

 

The battle in 1 Sam 17 is notcomplete without mentioning David’s character. He was, after all, a man afterGod’s own heart.

David wore what he knew. His armourwas strengthened by God, not by men. Likewise, your armour is tested by themany tests you have written.

He trusted in God's armourbecause he had a relationship with God. His trust was born from thatrelationship.

1 Sam 17: 41 So thePhilistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore theshield went before him. 42And when the Philistine looked about and saw David,he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking.43So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me withsticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44And the Philistine saidto David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air andthe beasts of the field!”

Standing before the enemy isnot easy.

For the third time, David was judged on his age. First by his brother, then Saul, and then Goliath.

Goliath took it one step further and found his looks appalling.

Goliath scorned/mocked him.

Goliath's assumption caused his death. He did not see the sling as an actual weapon.

He cursed David. Many times, you will be cursed and not embraced for what you bring to the fight.

He threatened David. He said that he would feed him to the birds of the air, and the beasts of the field. He saw him as a weak person. He didn’t see David’s strength.

David was unwavering. He stared Goliath down.

He knew who was on his side.

 

David did not allow his youth orruddy good looks to detour him from his mandate. He knew he had to face thisgiant and kill him. Nor did he listen to the scorn and mockery of everyoneclose to him. This enemy had to come down.

He did not do this to be elevatedabove the rest; he did this to save God’s people from despair and fear. Hisvision was God’s people. He could identify with them. Even at that young age,he understood what fear can do to you. It can break you down and keep you in shacklesof despair. But he had the experience of the lion and the bear to back up histheory. This giant would fall.

Do not despise what you havelearned so far. Every experience you had up to this point is part of yourarmour. It sets you apart and it sets you up for victory. Do not allow theenemy to tell you that you are not worthy. That you cannot speak up. That youare too young, ill-trained. Not ready to fight.

Do you know who you are inChrist? Do you have the Word of God in you? This point can never be stressedenough. The Word is your defence system. The Word builds you up and give youthe hope and faith you need for any battle.

Being an exact representationwill cost you something. It is a time-consuming effort that will bring you nofame. It will not always be honourable. People will not flock to your side tohelp you. You will become a lone ranger. In this battle, you must become usedto being alone. Of standing alone, of fighting the good fight, alone.

This is not the path for thefainthearted. At times you will fail or go astray. You will be bruised, beatenand face many other battles. I will not lie to you; This is a tough road, butit begins with that one decision.

And to really get into the rightframe of mind, It will cost you to switch off the TV, and close the devicesthat keep you occupied, that steal your time. Sometimes you will say no to aninvitation because you have been separated. You are no longer part of thein-crowd. It will cost you time and effort to get into the Word. This will notbe an easy road.

When you continue to read David’sstory, you will notice that this man had to face many more giants in his life.You name a trail, and he faced it.

• He was broke and destitute.

• He was homeless.

• He was tempted.

• He had to hide on a few occasions from hisenemies.

• He killed a man.

• He lost a child in childbirth.

• His wife scorned him.

• He had to keep himself insane to preserve hislife.

• He was attacked.

• He was deceived.

• He was in despair.

• He had to stay hidden from his son.

But he remained faithful to God.No matter the trail, he knew where his strength was. He never claimed to beperfect. He, too, had dreams that were dashed. Yet, his faithfulness andconsistency kept him alive in God’s heart. So much so that Jesus came from hislinage. His destination was a geographical destination, signifying the road wewill travel, and he maintained his relationship with God through it all.

I cannot promise you a safe rideor a smooth road. I cannot promise that you will not land in the pigsty. I cannotpromise that you won’t get sick or lose everything. But I can promise you asafe journey as long as your hand remains in His.

David became the template that wemust follow.

We too, are called to be a remnantthat will break the hedge and show the way to a better life: the way to Christ;the city on the Mountain.

Put your hand in His and trustthat God will carry you through this, too. Be an exact representation of God.

Grace and peace to you.

Day One / Day Two / Day Three / Day Four / Day Five/ Day Six / 

Day Seven / Day Eight / Day Nine /  / Day Eleven / Day Twelve