by Dr. Hubert Mitchell
GOD'S MAN
A part from the Lord Jesus Christ, it is my opinion that the great est man who ever lived was David. His name is mentioned in the Bible more than 1100 times. Although he is an Old Testament character, Mat thew starts his Gospel with David (1:1). Revelation, of course, ends with David (22:16). Many refer ences are made to this man. There is a classic story for our study to be found in I Samuel 17. You remember that it gives the ac count of Goliath’s slaying. This giant, commander of the Philistines, was about ten feet tall. Covered with armor from head to foot, he continu ally stood on the side of the moun tain, bellowing out blasphemous words against the children of Israel, King Saul and all of his men of valor. Fear possessed the hearts of Israel. The monster challenged, “Send me a man to fight. Whoever wins will be the champion of the day. The army he represents will be the victors.” This kind of railing went on for forty days and forty nights. No one was willing to accept the challenge. David was at the back side of the mountain feeding his father’s sheep. He fought off wolves, bears and lions. While on a mission of bringing his brothers a package from home, he heard the evil pro nouncements of wicked Goliath. He volunteered to do the job for his king and his people. His brother, Eliah, however, insisted he return home and not offer such foolish promises. “You are too small and much too young. Goliath has been a warrior since his youth. You wouldn’t stand a chance.” David brushed aside these objections, telling King Saul, “I went down to where my father’s sheep were and I kept them. There came out a lion and a bear and stole away
a lamb but I slew them both. This uncircumcized Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.” David was not afraid. He knew that the same God who had delivered him from the wild animals certainly could keep him from harm at the hand of one of the wicked Philistines. Saul finally consented, adding his personal blessings. Humanly speaking, every one was against David: his brother, the king, and even the people. This, however, didn’t deter him in the least. He knew that God was with HIS SON'S BIRTHDAY God had His Son's companionship, And Heaven was sweet and fair; And yet He yearned for other sons To share His mansions there. So Christ the Lord came down to earth. And ever since He came, All may become the sons of God Who trust upon His name. And thus the heavenly family grows. Now earnestly I pray, “May many sons be born to God Upon this Christmas Day!" — Martha Snell Nicholson him. What a testimony this faithful shepherd boy gave to the entire land, as he called back out to the giant; “You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” Exactly as David had proph esied, so the Lord gave the complete and overwhelming victory. When asked by King Saul who he was, 11
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