Food for Thought

My pastor spoke of David and Goliath last Sunday. Because I have heard this story from childhood, I did not expect new Truths to keep me thinking into Tuesday. But then, I also forgot that the Bible is "living and active" (Hebrews 4:12). I love it when God's Word speaks to me in a new, fresh way!

Two points from the sermon strike me. 1) Goliath is symbolic of evil, and 2) Spiritual weapons are more powerful than worldly weapons, despite the culture's opinions. Then, as I studied the Book of Mark this week, I read the passage where Jesus said to Peter, "Get thee behind me, Satan!" Again, a very common verse of Scripture (Mark 8:33). These three ideas are rolling around in my brain.

Evil challenges Believers every day. Evil looks big, intimidating, and much stronger than Believers. Some call Christ-followers crazy. Pastor Glenn named this idea the "Goliath-effect." I like the word usage! To combat the Goliath-effect, we often look for weaponry created by the very culture that nurtures evil. In this way, we feel like David, who was bogged down by Saul's armor in preparation for battle against Goliath (think the Veggie Tales version of the story). David, however, knew better - based upon his personal relationship with The Living God. He dropped Saul's armor to fight Goliath with Spiritual weapons - faith, a few stones, and a sling - even though the people mocked him.

In Mark, when Christ began speaking to the disciples about His upcoming persecution and death, Peter tried to stop Him because, in Peter's mind, Christ came to stun the world with His strength. But, Spiritual weapons are of a different order, and God's plan for Christ in this world was very different than Peter's plan. In weakness, there is strength; in humility there is power; in death, there is life. Christ knew that Peter's words were absolutely based on worldly wisdom. Christ came to exemplify Spiritual wisdom.

The question asked in "Listening For God Through Mark," is this:

Like Peter, what might I be doing to "prevent Christ from fulfilling His mission on earth" (p. 46)?

Wow! Now that is some food for thought....