FW: David and Goliath - An End-Time View
Evidence Chikwenhure
Subject: David and Goliath - An End-Time View
DAVID & GOLIATH - An END-TIME VIEW
-extracts by Hadyn Olsen.
Recently, after reading the account of this historic meeting between
David
and Goliath, I was struck by the significance of it's message
concerning
the end time period that we are entering into.
Far more than a children's story, this account speaks of the collision
of
two kingdoms. The kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.
There are a number of times in the Scriptures that we witness such a
dramatic encounter between these two kingdoms. We may think of the
time of
Moses and the exodus from Egypt, the plagues and the Red Sea. We may
think of Joshua and Jericho - or Elijah on Mt. Carmel. Then of course
there is the Lord Jesus Himself and the many occasions of His
demonstrating the kingdom.
We are coming to a time when we shall witness another great collison
between God's kingdom and Satan's. No doubt it shall be as great, if
not
greater than all the others that have preceded it. And it shall be a
time
when once again, God displays His all-surpassing greatness and
dominion
over Satan.
To this end our spirit's cry, 'Come Lord Jesus'.
As we read in 1 Sam. 17 of the battle between David and Goliath we can
first of all see that there are three principal characters which may
represent three different peoples.
Firstly there is Goliath and the Philistines. They represent the
world, or
more specifically unredeemed, rebellious man. There is something about
them which may be encompassed by the term, 'The spirit of this age'.
There they stand, full of defiance and mockery. Wilfully and
arrogantly
railing accusations upon God and His people. They represent man, in
the
fullness of self power and self glory.
We may notice in the description of Goliath that there is reference to
the
number six. The number of man. He was six cubits in height, he had six
pieces of armour, and his spearhead weighed six hundred shekels.
We could say that he represents everything that the term 'anti-christ'
may
speak of, as he stands there mocking all that is of God and calling
God's
people into battle.
As we look out out upon the world today we can see Goliath readying
himself again. We can hear the challenges ringing out saying, 'Where
is
your God' and the accusations pouring forth to belittle the church and
call her to war. This has always been the very essence of that
antichrist
spirit.
The second character in this story is King Saul and his army. This
group
represent the people of God, but they are the people of God under the
dominion of the flesh.
They are a defeated company. They stand there facing Goliath, fearful,
intimidated and without anointing or strength from God.
We may ask, 'Why is this?.. How can it be?'
How can the people of God find themselves in this kind of a situation
and
such a condition? The answer is, that although they are the people of
God
they are still ruled and controlled by the spirit of this world. They
are
under the dominion of King Saul - the flesh.
Let us take a look at them.
They stand there in all their wordly armour. They are fitted out with
everything that the world counts for something. They have their horses
and
chariots and weapons of flesh - and of course they have their king who
stands so tall above the rest. They look just like all the other
nations
in so many ways.
I cannot help wondering how many of our denominations and church
organisations are just like the armies of Saul. They are full of the
ways
of the world and their strength comes from money, organisation, and
the
power of the flesh. We see in them the same spirit of this world that
promotes itself with gimmicks, sales techniques and all manner of
human
ability.
There is also another characteristic that is common to the Saul
church.
That is, disobedience to the word of the Lord.
King Saul cared more for the outward appearances of success and power
than
for obedience to God's word. He would obey God as long as it suited
him
and as long as it didn't threaten his own ambitions and desires to
be successful in the eyes of the people.
It is the same today in the denominations. Success power and outward
appearances are the most important considerations. God's will and His
purposes are often compromised for the sake of human interest and
human
traditions.
For that reason they will stand alone on that day that Goliath
confronts
them. They will discover that Goliath is far stronger in terms of this
world than they are themselves, and they will realise that they are no
match for him.
How frightening it will be on that day... although today they are so
full
of their own strength and hypnotised by their own praises and positive
confessions.
Thank God there is a third group in this story. It is the group that
is
characterised by David.
Yes, David was one of the people of God. But he wasn't a part of
Saul's
army. In the same way today there is a third group. Tbey are scattered
around. They have no special organisation or place to call their own.
Yet they have two distinguishing characteristics that set them apart;
They have a heart after God and... they are not of King Saul.
This David company, like David of old, is small, insignificant,
unimpressive and unimportant. Yet God's hand is upon them.
David was out in the wilderness tending his sheep when the call came
to
enter into the battle lines. He was doing that which God has placed in
his
care - even though it was insignificant and outwardly of little
importance.
David knew nothing of Saul's ways. He hadn't been in any of Saul's
training schools. He didn't know how to even polish his armour let
alone
wear it into battle...
But this is God's way. He always takes the lowly things, the foolish
things, and the things that are not, to bring to nothing the things
that
are.
Likewise God is preparing a people today. They are nothing now. Some
have
left denominations, some are still amongst them wondering why it is
that
they no longer feel a part of it all any more. They can no longer get
excited by the latest seminar or out-reach. Instead they sigh and
groan at
the lack of God's presence in the church, and they are grieved by the
way human power has filled the gap.
When David arrived on the scene, he had no organisation backing him.
There
were no credentials or any such thing. There was only the anointing.
God
knew where He wanted David to be. God brought things together as He
always
does.... in the fullness of time.
David could stand before Goliath because God was with him. Nothing
more
and nothing less. His spirit was stirred against this monster. David
was
not afraid. Heknew that there was one far greater who was standing
with him.
When David spoke to Goliath to challenge him, it was not so much David
speaking as God Himself speaking.
When David took the stone and placed it in his sling, again it was God
choosing and preparing.
When David sent his stone flying toward it's mark. it was God guiding
it
to just the right place.
Such is the way with all true ministry. It is God in man doing the
work
and bringing forth the fruit.
God desires a people who are dead to man's ways... He is preparing a
people who will wait for Him, and move as He moves them, and who will
work
according to His power that works in them mightily.
It may take Him a long time to get a man or woman to that place...
yet
God has time.
That day is coming when that great conflict will arrive. Which company
will we be a part of? Will it be Goliath's? or King Saul's?... or will
it
be David's?
It may be hard to say right now, but the day will declare it. Nothing
is
surer... That day will declare it... For then we shall find ourselves
in
the place that our hearts have chosen.
Let us call upon the Lord today, while it is still today... asking Him
to
change our hearts and take us into that David company. May we seek to
learn to walk with God and be faithful unto all that He may call us to
do. May we learn the ways of humility and be satisfied with simply
living
before Him each day. May we also be careful to remain free from the
ways
of King Saul.
Praise God for His all-surpassing greatness and glory.
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