The Forgotten Giant

2 Sam. 21:15-17

Everyone, no doubt, knows the story in the Bible about David and Goliath, the giant, some 4 meters in height (1 Sam. 17). But, did you know that there was another giant in David’s life? His name was Ishbi Benob, a relative Goliath, and a Philistine, whom David was not able to kill. His spear weighed 300 shekels of brass; 4 kilograms.

David bravely faced him, but it proved too much for the King. It took Abishai, David’s nephew, who had a blood-thirsty spirit, to rescue him from certain death. The love for David by his men led them to refuse to allow David to fight again.

Let us learn a few important lessons from this story of the forgotten giant. There are three points I want to cover regarding this. For one thing:

1. God Does not Always Do the Miraculous

God directed David’s sling to its certain deadly target. In the case of Ishbi Benob, God directed Abishai’s swift sword. Sometimes God does the unusual but more often, He uses the means that are available. For example, He sends others to you, i.e. angels, people or circumstances you never expected, and at just the proper time. Another thought to consider:

2. Giants Have Ways of Coming Back

We never really outgrow temptations and trials. Alluring temptations are used by Satan to separate men from God. (GC 610) They are brought to bear on God’s people and will be stronger as the end draws near (3T 571), and will be new and unexpected (GW 257). Many trials are before God’s people, which many of us have not anticipated (4T 633), and even Christ’s disciples in time of trial were found unprepared (GC 594).

Yes, as a young man, David killed Goliath, but as an older man he now faced Goliath’s monstrous relative.

Sound spiritual counsel is to watch and pray. (Matt. 26:41) You never know when there is another giant around the corner. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! (1 Cor. 10:12)

When Nehemiah summoned his people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, from heaps of rubble, the surrounding “enemies became angry and plotted together to fight Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it,” (Neh. 4:1-9) but, we find the secret of Nehemiah’s victory over his enemies in v.9, “but we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.” Again, watch and pray!!

The New Testament picked up this secret and made it a living motto in the lives of many. Let us go on further and see its practical application in our lives today.

A. Watch and pray – for a secret victory over the world! In Mark 13, 2 Tim.3, and Matt. 24, we see clear signs of the end of the age; the last days. many conditions and events of the world are tending to pull many believers away from the Lord. Let us turn together to our Bible and read Matt. 24:33, “Even so when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.” In Mark 13:33 we read, “Be on guard, Be alert, You do not know when that time will come.” Brethren, pray with your eyes open wide (Col. 4:2-4), that the world will not seduce you and draw you away from your loyalty to Jesus.

B. Watch and pray – for a secret victory over the flesh! In Mark 14:38, we find Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, and His disciples, Peter, James, and John. Jesus returned to find them sleeping, and warned them, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Matt. 26:41) What happened? Peter did not pray with his eyes open and walked into terrible temptation and sin!

C. Watch and pray – for a secret victory over Satan! Paul describes to us here in Eph. 6:18 how to “take a stand against the devil’s schemes,” (v.11) by putting on the armour of God, to face the enemy of God with the right equipment, and he tells us again, “be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” (v.18) Don’t go to sleep, but pray!

D. Watch and pray – for a secret to finding open doors to witness in your ministry. God calls us to be His witnesses in the world today (PK 487) Heavenly intelligences are witnesses to all that we do or say (SD 37). Are you witnessing more distinctly and decidedly than ever before? (8T 55) If your heart is fixed to God and to serve Him, opportunities to bear witness for Him will appear no matter where you are or what the circumstances are, in your conversation, conduct, attitudes, acquaintances, giving impartially, and unselfishly. Let us proceed further to the third point in this lesson:

3. You Can’t Always Win the BattleAlone

Years before, David was the sole hero when he killed Goliath. Next, however, David faced another giant and needed help. His nephew, Abishai, was a fiery, stubborn youth (kid). David did not agree with him, but with all his faults Abishai was the man God used to save David’s life.
It may surprise you when you get to heaven, to discover those good Christians, and perhaps others on earth that God used to help you along your long journey of life.

You are never alone! What kept Moses going? In Deut. 31:6-8, “…the Lord himself goes before you and will be with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you… Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.” Heb. 13:5 What kept Joshua going? In Joshua 1:1-9, “…be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” There was a difference in years and circumstances for Joshua, the new leader of Israel, but he remained faithful. Moses’ Egyptian education and culture he was exposed to didn’t sustain him, but the personal strength he drew from God. He was sustained by a promise. Moses tried to quit two times, because of the load he had to carry in leading Israel. The Lord told Joshua, “…as I was with Moses, so I will be with you, I will never leave you or forsake you.” They were both sustainedby this promise. After Moses died, Joshua had the same promise. The promise helped Moses carry the burden, and the same promise helped Joshua carry the battles. This promise, this same promise, is for everyone… the obedient ones. What is this promise again? “… I will never leave you or forsake you.” Josh. 1:5.

As a man grows older, there are more burdens to carry, and battles to fight. It is hard to be both Moses and Joshua in our own places of responsibility. Theyboth had the same promise, because they trusted in God and His word. We, too, can have that same promise… when we heed the words of the Lord in Heb. 13:5, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have,” because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Let us read together the last words of the Lord to His disciples in Matt. 28:20. “…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” These are comforting words, sure words, inspiring words.

A child of God is never alone, no matter what the burdens are, or the battles one has to fight. Is there a giant in your life, a forgotten giant? The Saviour is always by your side. Yield! Give in to Him, and accomplish His purpose in and through you. Beware of the Forgotten Giant!
AMEN.

John Theodorou, U.S.A.