So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 1st Samuel 17:50 (NKJV)
We all know the story of David and Goliath. David, as a young Hebrew warrior and future king, is cheered for his bravery and trust in God, but have you ever wondered who mourned for Goliath? The story of David’s stand against the giant Philistine warrior of Gath (9’9” tall) has been vigorously portrayed in both secular and religious versions.
Goliath’s scaled
armor of bronze weighed five thousand shekels (125 pounds/58 kilograms). The
handle of his spear was like a weaver’s beam (2” -- 2.5” diameter), with an
iron tip of six hundred shekels weight (15 pounds/6.9 kilograms, vv 17:4-7).
Secular media will use the account to illustrate how an underdog defeats a giant
corporation, and I have heard many sermons on how a small stone shut a big
mouth.
The loss of
this man was more catastrophic in the eyes of God than it was to the
Philistines. When anyone dies outside of God’s grace and forgiveness it is a
disaster.
In today’s
world of instant online and televised violence and death it seems our
acceptance of it leaves us mostly numbed to its impact. It can be too easily
overlooked when the wicked get what is coming to them. More is the pity that
any person, man, or woman, dies outside of God’s grace, and a ‘’good riddance”
attitude of satisfaction is our response. Was Christ’s blood shed on the cross for
only the worthy? That goes against everything He lived and died to redeem. It
was for all (2nd Corinthians 5:14), especially the overtly evil and wicked.
Jesus said, “There is rejoicing before the angels over one sinner who repents”
(Luke 15:10).
It is in our
fallen natures to cling to harsh views of others with whom we disagree.
We can hold onto a vicious win at all costs rationale, followed by a smug
attitude when anyone we dislike goes down in defeat, including, yes, even
politicians and celebrities. This attitude makes our hearts hard, compassionless
and without grace.
Scripture
teaches we ought to fight against the kingdom of darkness, for it constantly
wars to destroy us. However, there is nothing in it that teaches a doctrine of
cheering or gloating over the death of another, unrighteous or even righteous.
This should not be so, for Christ has demonstrated a perfect way and called us
to a higher standard and action of faith (1st John 4:7, Galatians
6:10).
Let us pray
for those who mistreat us, or do not share our values and convictions, blessing
those who curse us, as our Lord commanded (Luke 6:28). They are unregenerated
persons. How else would the unregenerate act except wickedly? Jesus can give
them a new life, and a new hope too. When was the last time you prayed for
them? It is not an easy thing to do. I struggle in this, too.
God will
bring the victory and as Goliath, all who defy the Lord will all too soon come
to an end not of their liking. Who will mourn for them? Are we mourning for them
even now? Are we doing all we can to reach out to them now? Despite their size,
their demise would be counted a giant loss.
Ken
