Arrogance and Pride Are Cover-Ups for Fear

Let us pick up at the end of [1 Sam 16] where God used David's skills at harp to deliver king Saul from a vexing spirit. Keep in mind, if we are diligent for the Lord in what we do, He will put us in the place(s) which we could do the most good, while serving Him. Next stop...[1 Sam 17] This is going to take a little longer than I had thought. I have MANY notes and thoghts, so hang in there. The main thought comes near the end. Here goes... The Philistines are gathered at Shocoth (thornhedge)-to battle the Israelites. King Saul and the "men of Israel" are gathered at Elah [oak]. This is symbolic to mean strength and (wood) for building idols. ELAH IS A VALLEY OF WHERE THE BATTLE FOR THE SUPREMACY OF STRENGTH AND WHOSE GOD WILL RULE (see Goliath's decree later in the chapter). Goliath, the Philistine's champion fighter (11 1/2 ft tall), taunted the "men of Israel" and questioned their bravery--daily! Goliath was pretty much BEGGING someone to come and fight with him in that valley of Elah. Each nation had been a constant irritant to the other for quite-some-time, and he wanted to end it then and there! Goliath had gotten so frustrated, cocky, and bold, that he wrote a verbal check his body could not cash. WINNER TAKES ALL! He defied the armies of Israel. That did not seem to bother the "MEN of Israel" much, they remained in the "proverbial shadows." Still, he came out and continued his request for "SOMEONE" to fight him for control. Saul and the "men of Israel" were "dismayed and greatly afraid." They did not know what to do. I am guessing casting lots was out of the question, and we are sure by this point that NOONE was brave enough to DARE step out against such an enemy. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Jesse has a son . He was the youngest of his EIGHT boys. Three of the boys (the eldest) went to the battle with Saul. David was not READY for battle--or was he? Everyday David went to the battle where Saul was, but he returned home to Bethlehem (city of Bread) to feed (tend) to the sheep that his "father" had given him charge over. You gotta wonder...Why did David go to see Saul daily? Since we are in chapter 17 and at the end of 16 David was "ministering to the king", maybe he is operating in one of his gifts to serve and minister to the king [as in] a follow-up to check on his spiritual state. Just a thought. To the battle: The Philistine (Goliath) drew near the "men of Israel" (still taunting) EVERY MORNING & EVERY EVENING for FORTY STRAIGHT DAYS. That is TWO TIMES per day! STILL NO "MAN" to take the challenge. Say it ain't so! David, the "sheep" herder, feeder, tender and protector took parched corn and bread to his brothers; and he took cheese to the captain of the armies of Israel. Talk about a man serving other men... Brother Jesse was ALL-0VER-IT! He wanted to ensure the men were strong enough for the battle. Dad told David to go check on his brothers often (probably daily) I am wondering...where are the OTHER FOUR brothers? At some point during the FORTY days of taunting, the fighting actually began. You have to also wonder how many "men of Israel" were lost during this battle? As were the [custom] of Jesse and David, food was taken to the brothers and other fighting men. David, when he arrived, shouted! I wonder what he said. The fight at this point was in full swing! Can you believe this..? David actually found his brothers--during the battle. How? Were they not fighting? Were they licking their wounds? Maybe they wre at the headquarters building eating bon-bons and playing cards. The Bible does not shed light on this mystery. The Bible tells us that David's brothers spoke to him. Goliath (probably highly frustrated and tired after forty days of taunting), AGAIN challenged "the men of Israel." You know the story. David heard him. The Bible says that the "MEN" ran for FEAR! Those men who were remaining were asked of David, "what does the man who kills this uncircumcised Philistine get?" WOW! Finally, a "REAL MAN" enters the picture. But wait, with an unexpected turn of events, David is scolded by the eldest, yet more afraid brother. Instead of encouraging his, younger, inquisitive, bolder and braver brother, he chose to beat him down, and ridicule him. Does this not STILL happen today in our churches? Some pastors and leaders are AFRAID to STAND, and when another brother stronger and more prepared in an area than we are approaches them/us with insight, they/we put them under our thumbs for FEAR of him stealing our glory, or taking the lime-light. CAN YOU SAY PRIDE AND ARROGANCE ISSUES? Okay, back to Eliab (eldest bro). All David did was to ask what HE would get after he took this loud mouth down? You see, David's brothers knew he was fear-LESS: killing lions and bears for messing with his sheep. This [young] boy was not a pip-squeak as they let on; he was a teenage warrior; and they knew it! He had no quit, nor did he walk in fear. They did though. David did not go to the battle to fight, he went to check on his brothers for his father; and stayed for the fight. (You know, kinda like going to a friend's house and inviting yourself for dinner.) Even Saul compared David's youth and inexperience to Goliath's experience. David's confidence was high, for he was a young "man" of "war" already--he has been battling for his sheep. He shared his stories with king Saul. Saul was impressed and blessed to have a "warrior." You know what he did? He gave David a uniform and put him in the "game." David was surprised that not even his brothers would stand up for God's honor. David told them he would stand up and "God would kill the giant for him." FINALLY, some respect from those in leadership. GO! was the command from the king. Support came after sending the brave warrior. You know the rest of the story. You see, it was not about david's age. It was not about David's experience. It was not about David's responsibilty for the "few sheep." It was about the inability of the "men" in authority to lead--not leading because they were afraid and unable to do the work. God does not want our ARROGANCE or PRIDE to cover up our FEAR. PRIDE will destroy you. Here, fear was the root of the problem. FEAR will always make you a slave to the Philistines through the Goliaths of SIN. Pastors, send in the warriors who WANT to fight the battle. Sit down the ones who want to warm the pew (bench). Give me a warrior for God any day. PRIDE and ARROGANCE are cover-ups for FEAR!

Posted by Armor-Bearer at 3/28/2010 4:33 PM
Categories: Maturing in the Faith
Tags: Arrogance Brothers Saul War Fear Bears Lions David King Goliath Battle Gath Philistines Jesse Warrior
 

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