1 Samuel 17:26, 36
"And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?... Your servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God."
What do we learn about the living God?
Israel was a nation chosen by God. They represented Him in the world. At the time of this text, Israel was at war with the Philistines. The armies of Israel were supposed to be fighting in the name of Jehovah, but they were intimidated by Goliath the giant. This guy was said to be 9 feet tall. He was a beast. However, the Israelite army failed to see that he was still simply a man. They forgot who they were fighting for. David showed up to remind them.
David arrived on the scene, and he couldn't believe what was going on! This "uncircumcised Philistine" was blaspheming the name of Jehovah. Goliath defied the armies of the living God. Since Israel represented God, Goliath was defying God Himself. David could not just ignore this. David knew and loved the LORD deeply. He could not let this man, though he was a giant, defy his God.
In David's career as a shepherd, he had killed at least one lion and one bear to protect his sheep. He knew that the living God was on his side, and that He would enable him to be victorious. This evil Philistine was going down. You probably know the rest of the story. If not, just keep reading 1 Samuel.
How does this apply to your life? Well just as Israel represented God in the past dispensations, we the Church represent Him in this dispensation. 2 Corinthians 5:20 tells us that "we are ambassadors for Christ." We need to faithfully uphold the name of the living God. If you are a Christian, you have a duty to be like Christ. The world is going to see God through us. If you misrepresent Christ, you are keeping others from the truth, and destroying their chance of being saved. At the same time, when you see someone defying the living God, or His people, it is your duty to take a stand and defend His name.
Are you intimidated or afraid, like the Israelite army, when you see or hear someone attacking your God? You have nothing to be afraid of! The Lord has given the Holy Spirit to us all. He lives inside us, giving us the power and strength we need. The most the world can do to us is kill us, and then we will be present with the Lord! Do you love Jesus Christ? He has saved you! You should be proud to share His Word and represent Him in the world. Remember who it is that you represent, and recognize that on your own you are unable, but the Almighty Holy Spirit lives in you. In Acts 1:8 Jesus says, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
Be a faithful witness for your Lord Jesus Christ today. It is your duty.
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