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The Theology of Goliath

Today’s preachers might tell David the following when he inquired about fighting Goliath in a man-to-man combat to the death, which would decide the fate of Israel:
“You’re presumptuously meddling with something that’s too far above your head. We don’t think you’re reformed in your thinking; the sovereign God can take care of that giant. Leave it to the professionals. You’ll be killed needlessly, thus bringing discredit on the cause of the kingdom. It’s just boasting by that giant; you don’t want to get into some type of proud game of ‘I dare you,’ do you? You’ll be just as bad as Goliath by stooping to his level of violence and antagonism. It’s peace and reconciliation that we must have, not fighting and arguing. Who knows? Perhaps his religious beliefs have some value; how are you so sure that you’re completely right? Can’t we learn from others through common grace? Why be so exclusive; maybe we should live and let live with the Philistines. Any way, it’s political; why get tangled up in such?! God has no specific template as to how His people are supposed to be ruled. Perhaps we’ll get more evangelism accomplished if we’re persecuted under Philistine rule? ”

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Acts chapters 6 & 7

The Prophet Stephen, aka Martyr

Stephen, above all others in the New Testament Church, even the apostles, understood the timing issue. See Acts chapters 6 and 7.

What was the faithful Israelite’s attitude at the time of the coming of Christ? He believed the law of Moses, the prophets, the histories, and the Psalms of David. He had a view of Israel as the premier nation, the nation God had chosen for a special purpose. I like to imagine that the 12 were that type; with all their failings, they were hoping for God’s promises of a kingdom to come true and to be a part of it.

Stephen was not one of the 12. We don’t know, but he might have been a follower in the crowds around Jesus, or he might have been someone who while visiting during the Feast of Pentecost, was such an Israelite like the Apostles. He caught the vision of the Kingdom, but Stephen was amazing. He Continue reading “Acts chapters 6 & 7”