One of the amazing things about the Bible is how the Old Testament continually hints at the work of Christ in every Character profiled. One of the clearest types of Christ in the Old Testament is King David. And one of the most striking symbols of Christ’s work is David’s victory over Goliath pointing toward Jesus’ victory over the devil, the grave, and sin…
In 1 Samuel 17:50 says, “Without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him…”
Why does scripture make certain we are aware David did not use a sword to defeat Goliath?
Because David is a type of Christ. And Christ, years later, would do the same thing in his triumph over sin, death and the devil…
At His arrest, Jesus told Peter to put his sword away (John 18:11).
On the cross, Jesus refused to call the legions of angels at the Father’s side to stage a dramatic overthrow of Roman authorities.
Jesus won “without a sword in his hand…”
Best of all… Jesus is still winning the battles in our own personal lives without the sword. I am so thankful that the Lord wins me over not with judgment and condemnation but with grace and mercy. Our hearts are drawn to the surrender of His kindness leading to repentance. His grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions (Titus 2:12).
Which brings me . . . to us.
What battle are you fighting in which you need to sheath your sword? A broken friendship? A wounded relationship? A marital dispute? A long-held hurt from years past? Are you still trying to win this “fight” with anger, resentment and/or retaliation? Are the silent treatment or secret plots of revenge not giving you the peace you desperately crave?
Jesus want you to win, but you have to do it like Him.
Without a sword.
He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
He said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Interestingly enough, in our high-tech age 2000 year later, psychologists have found Jesus was spot on. In a recent study, PRAYER, not rage has been found to be the solution to anger. They discovered that people think better about a negative situation if they pray about it.
Humph. Who’d a thought?
Here’s the challenge for us. Because it’s not just knowing what Jesus did, it’s asking the Holy Spirit to help us DO IT TOO!
Put the sword away.
Pray.
Win.
