David has, once again, fled from King Saul. In 1 Samuel 21.1-9, we learn that David ran to a place called Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. I can only guess at how tired, discouraged and frightened David was when he arrived at Ahimelech’s door. He asked two things of Ahimelech. First, David was hungry and asked for bread. Then he asked for a spear or sword. He left in such a hurry that he didn’t even take the time to procure one. David not only didn’t have a weapon, but he was by himself. He ran away from King Saul leaving his men behind. As it turned out, the only weapon Ahimelech had to offer David was the sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom David had slain at an earlier time. Although David was without his army, he now had a symbol of God’s presence with him. God was with him the day he killed Goliath. Did that sword remind David that God was still there to guide him? Which type of weapon, theoretically, would you prefer; a spear or sword?

 

I know very little about spears or swords. I do know that both can be used for defending someone against an enemy.  My daughter knows quite a bit about spears. She has had several opportunities to learn about, and to throw an at-al at-al, at an annual local festival. These spears are eight to ten feet long. A lot of muscle is required to throw one accurately at a target 20 feet away. I’ve seen swords in museums and my father has one from a relative who fought in the Civil War. Swords come in all sizes. They are sharp and look like they could do a lot of damage to someone during a fight. Of the two weapons, I think I would prefer the sword. It looks easier to carry around, just in case one might need to defend oneself. That’s sort of silly though, isn’t it? Who carries around a sword these days? I’m reminded that in Ephesians 6:17, the Word of God is referred to as “…the sword of the Spirit…” So, actually Christians carry around “swords” in the form of Bibles. A Bible is easy to carry and to use to deflect the attacks of the enemy. The Bible provides protection and comfort, much as a sword provides protection and comfort to the one who needs it. Additionally, like my daughter discovered with the spear, practice in how to use it is important. Anyone can pick up God’s Word and carry it around giving the appearance of knowing how to use it. However, only through daily reading can someone become proficient in understanding it. God’s enemy, Satan, would like nothing better than for us not to read God’s Word, not to be prepared when disappointment, trouble, heart ache, or even joy comes our way. Do you ever feel alone, discouraged, tired of fighting a fight you are not even sure of winning? Pick up God’s Word and read it. As you read it daily, your ability to use it in times of trouble and joy become easier. Every Sword Master begins by picking up a sword for the first time and trying it out. Don’t wait another moment to start on the road to becoming all God wants you to be. His Word is meant for everyone, especially you and me.  

 

Your fellow traveler,

 

Kathy