The year was 1020 BC, and the army of Israel was facing off with the Philistine army in the valley of Elah in Israel. The champion of the Philistines was Goliath, a 9-foot giant warrior who towered over the rest of the soldiers in both armies. With a 12-foot bronze javelin and bronze armor that covered his entire body, Goliath was a sight to behold and a fearsome figure that generated fear in the Israelite army.
The giant Goliath came out and taunted the army of Israel, challenging them to send out their champion for a fight that would settle the issue of who would be victorious. The army of Israel, led by King Saul, cowered in fear, knowing that anyone they sent out would be slain and their cause lost forever.
It was in this setting the teenage shepherd boy David arrived, bringing bread, grain, and cheese for his brothers and the king of Israel. When he heard and saw the giant Goliath in the distance, in one of the most powerful statements in the entire Bible, he proclaimed: “WHO IS THIS UNCIRCUMCISED PHILISTINE, THAT HE SHOULD DEFY THE ARMIES OF THE LIVING GOD?” I Samuel 17:26
He then faced Goliath on the field of battle, rejecting the armor of the king of Israel because he had the spiritual armor of God to protect him. He prevailed over him with a single stone from his slingshot, and Goliath fell. The Philistine army then fled, for their champion had been killed, a harbinger of what lay in store for them if they were to stay and fight.
So who are the giants in your life, that keep you intimidated and living in fear? Perhaps it is family or friends who you don’t want to offend because you know they would disapprove if you spoke what you really believe. Perhaps you have a fear of speaking in public or of making your views known publicly, as in a newspaper, website, or social media. Perhaps your employer is not a Christian and doesn’t want religion of any kind in the workplace. Perhaps you realize that the primary target of today’s cancel culture is political conservatives, especially Christians.
In these times, it is important to remember God’s powerful command:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3
So when we are criticized or attacked – verbally, emotionally, physically, or spiritually by another person, if their accusation is just, we should repent and ask for forgiveness, and we will be free.
However, if we are living in the Spirit (Ephesians 6) and the attack is unjustified (fiery darts from the wicked one), we can ask ourselves this question: “WHO IS THIS UNREPENTANT SINNER (UNBELIEVER OR CARNAL CHRISTIAN) WHO DARES TO CRITICIZE ONE OF GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE (WITH FALSE GUILT)?” For we are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…,” (I Peter 2:9) empowered by the Holy Spirit to go forth and carry out His work.
The Word of God says we are in a spiritual battle for the lost souls of men and women. So let us put on our spiritual armor, connect with the Holy Spirit, and share the love and truth of Christ with those He brings across our path, for time is short, we are not guaranteed tomorrow, and eternity is forever.
To God be the glory
Board of Evangelism
The giant Goliath came out and taunted the army of Israel, challenging them to send out their champion for a fight that would settle the issue of who would be victorious. The army of Israel, led by King Saul, cowered in fear, knowing that anyone they sent out would be slain and their cause lost forever.
It was in this setting the teenage shepherd boy David arrived, bringing bread, grain, and cheese for his brothers and the king of Israel. When he heard and saw the giant Goliath in the distance, in one of the most powerful statements in the entire Bible, he proclaimed: “WHO IS THIS UNCIRCUMCISED PHILISTINE, THAT HE SHOULD DEFY THE ARMIES OF THE LIVING GOD?” I Samuel 17:26
He then faced Goliath on the field of battle, rejecting the armor of the king of Israel because he had the spiritual armor of God to protect him. He prevailed over him with a single stone from his slingshot, and Goliath fell. The Philistine army then fled, for their champion had been killed, a harbinger of what lay in store for them if they were to stay and fight.
So who are the giants in your life, that keep you intimidated and living in fear? Perhaps it is family or friends who you don’t want to offend because you know they would disapprove if you spoke what you really believe. Perhaps you have a fear of speaking in public or of making your views known publicly, as in a newspaper, website, or social media. Perhaps your employer is not a Christian and doesn’t want religion of any kind in the workplace. Perhaps you realize that the primary target of today’s cancel culture is political conservatives, especially Christians.
In these times, it is important to remember God’s powerful command:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3
So when we are criticized or attacked – verbally, emotionally, physically, or spiritually by another person, if their accusation is just, we should repent and ask for forgiveness, and we will be free.
However, if we are living in the Spirit (Ephesians 6) and the attack is unjustified (fiery darts from the wicked one), we can ask ourselves this question: “WHO IS THIS UNREPENTANT SINNER (UNBELIEVER OR CARNAL CHRISTIAN) WHO DARES TO CRITICIZE ONE OF GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE (WITH FALSE GUILT)?” For we are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people…,” (I Peter 2:9) empowered by the Holy Spirit to go forth and carry out His work.
The Word of God says we are in a spiritual battle for the lost souls of men and women. So let us put on our spiritual armor, connect with the Holy Spirit, and share the love and truth of Christ with those He brings across our path, for time is short, we are not guaranteed tomorrow, and eternity is forever.
To God be the glory
Board of Evangelism