• Home
  • About This Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
  • Comment Policy

Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
Home Bible Reflection Lions and Bears as Training Aids

Lions and Bears as Training Aids

Posted on December 1, 2010 Written by Mark McIntyre 1 Comment


LionWhen David volunteered to confront Goliath to take away the reproach of Israel, Saul questioned David’s preparation for this task.

David responds by informing Saul of times when he protected his sheep by killing a lion and a bear (1 Samuel 17:34-36). This story triggered two thoughts as I read it today.

First, David was anointed King over Israel. In Verse 13 of the previous chapter we read that the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. David was prepared for the battle with Goliath by having the Holy Spirit come upon him.

Second, I see that God arranged experiences to prepare David for the battle with Goliath. God brought the lion and the bear to David and gave him the ability to defeat them. These animals were used by God as training aids in preparation for Goliath. David could sense the hand of God upon him as he faced Goliath just as he had felt it when facing the lion and the bear.

In the same way, we have the Holy Spirit to indwell us and provide the wisdom and strength needed to face whatever challenges come at us. God brings us through smaller battles to prepare us for the larger ones. He promises to keep us out of any situation that is too difficult for us. (See 1 Corinthians 10:13)

As I look back on events in my life that seemed difficult at the time, I can see how God was leading me step by step and building my confidence. Not confidence in my own ability, but confidence in God’s provision and support. As more difficult tests come, the knowledge that I survived the previous struggles prepares me for what lies ahead.

While we are not promised ease or comfort, we can have peace and joy in the midst of the battle knowing that we have been prepared and empowered to be obedient and victorious.


Filed Under: Bible Reflection Tagged With: David, Lion

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

Follow Attempts at Honesty

Honesty in your Inbox

Fail

Built to fail

The church is not an organization that is built to eventually fail. In fact, when Jesus gave us our mission of making disciples, he also told us that he would be with us as we do it. Jesus began it, Jesus sustains it, and Jesus will complete what he started.

Under Construction

Under Construction: New Blog Theme for Attempts at Honesty

Attempts at Honesty is under construction as we customize the installation of our Pagelines theme. The colors, graphics and fonts will be changing over the next few weeks as I learn more about Pagelines.

Street signs pointing to right way and wrong way

There is a way that seems right to a man

These verses should also inform us that because of our inclination to go wrong, a healthy dose of self-doubt regarding our ability to understand and apply the Bible is advisable. Our first parents displayed the ability to distort what God said and if we are honest, we will admit that we share this with them. It is our nature to hear what we want to hear and avoid the rest.

Disqus

4 Reasons Why I Dropped Disqus Comment System From My Blog

After about 3 minutes of internet research on the subject, I decided to no longer use the Disqus comment system on this blog. I had no serious problems with Disqus. The service was free and it worked well. Yet, I found some reasons to turn off Disqus and I think they are strong enough to […]

To death and beyond . . .

Perhaps it is only my warped sense of humor, but this strikes me as funny. The Pharisees preferred Lazarus dead rather than have him there to challenge their beliefs. The Pharisees, who thought themselves a light to the nation, could not tolerate the presence of one whose very existence was a critique of their life and practice.

Post Series

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
February 2023
SMTWTFS
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728 
« Jan    

Categories

Archives

Blogger Grid
Follow me on Blogarama

Copyright © 2023 · Focus Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in