Reflection

The era of the Judges and the Kings has always been one of my favorite time periods of the Bible. Though it seems to contradict my “girly” nature, I have to admit, I LOVE reading the battle scenes! I love the stories of heroes. Of battle strategies. Of victories. So much action and so much opportunity for God to show His power!

David slaying Goliath – Image source: http://www.facebook.com/BibleSeries

But as much as I love the conquests, I often wondered, “God, why did it take so long?”

God promised the Promise Land to Abraham, then He freed the Israelites from slavery to the Egyptians generations later. Then it still took a long series of wars, battles, bloodshed and trials for the Israelites to actually take claim of the land that God promised so long ago. Did God have something to prove? Did He enjoy making the Israelites wait and work for so long?

Of course, God had a reason. And it turns out, it makes a lot of sense:

²⁸ I will send terrorahead of you to drive out the Hivites, Canaanites, and Hittites. ²⁹ But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals would multiply and threaten you. ³⁰ I will drive them out a little at a time until your population has increased enough to take possession of the land. (Exodus 23:28-30)

If God had given the Israelites all that He had for them all at once, it would have been too much for them to handle. The land would have dried up. The animals would have grown too numerous. There would not have been enough people to handle their blessings.

So instead, He got rid of their enemies little by little.

Little by little.

It can be hard to wait on God when He’s moving “little by little” and you’re wanting “all at once.” Sometimes we can misinterpret God’s lack of speed for apathy. But God sees the benefits of time. He knows that sometimes we need a little extra time to be ready to handle the blessings that He has in store for us.

Theme – From Slavery to Freedom

The Egyptians may have been swallowed by the Red Sea, but the threat of slavery did not disappear underwater with the chariots. The threat of slavery followed the Israelites wherever they went. Through Moses, God had delivered them from slavery, yes. But He would continue to deliver them, time after time.

When the mighty Philistine, Goliath, came onto the scene, I’m sure the Israelites doubted God once again. Surely this time, their freedom would be snatched from them and they would become slaves once again.

But then an unsuspecting shepherd stepped forward.

David’s resume may have been unimpressive. His experience may have been limited. But it turned out to have been exactly the preparation he needed, not only to risk his life and fight Goliath of Gath, but also to lead the people of Israel as their king. Many years later, another man appeared in Israel. Another shepherd… They scoffed at his resume… They doubted and derided him…But, like David, Jesus not only endured their abuse; he laid down his life for them, as the Good Shepherd. The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook (p. 61)

The threat of slavery follows us around as well. We may feel as though, at any minute, sin will attack and we’ll be slaves once again to our sinful nature.

But the truth is, if you’ve accepted Christ, any threat of slavery to sin is simply that – a threat. An empty, shallow, false illusion that Satan waves in your face in order to throw you off track. Just as Joshua conquered Jericho, just as Samson defeated the Philistines, and just as David defeated Goliath, Jesus defeated Satan on the cross. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Discussion (answer one or more in the comments)

1. Which character’s story spoke to you the most – Joshua, Samson, Saul, or David? Why?
2. Read 1 Sam. 17:45-47. What do you think of David’s words?
3. What sorts of “giants” have you faced in the past, and how has God delivered you from them?

Coming Up

• If you’re using The Bible 30-Day Experience Guidebook, complete days 13-18 this week.
• Tune in again next week for Week Three: The Survival/The Revolution. We’ll see the Old Testament come to an end and the next chapter begin with the birth of Christ and the beginning of his ministry.
• As you watch, consider next week’s theme: From Victim to Victor
  
• Join us next Tuesday here on the blog for more discussion!

Related Posts:
Week One: From Death to Life
Week Two: From Slavery to Freedom
Week Three: From Victim to Victor
Week Four: From Religion to Relationship
Week Five: From Darkness to Light
So… Satan looks like Obama? What does that mean?