Praise the Lord, Grace & Peace great people of our “Great God”…JESUS!

During my introspective, I study the Word of God for my affirmation in Jesus Christ. I truly appreciate  my experiential knowledge in God because it assures me of my future victories to be obtained because I am striving for a CAUSE.  King David had so many documented experiences exemplifying that he walked his faith out until God worked it out, and most of these experiences proved that God gave him some of his greatest victories with less according to the natural man comprehension. Hence for this week’s Weekly Meditation I would like to render the thought “Is There Not a CAUSE?” The following scriptures will be used to establish my premise to provoke further gospel provocation.

1Sam. 17:28-29 “And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a CAUSE?“

1Sam. 17:40 “And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.”

1Sam. 17:45  “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand . . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.

The word of God expresses that for forty straight days Goliath presented himself to be viewed by  an anoint less Saul and his frighten army, as he perpetually rendered insults to them “Am not I a Philistine, and ye servants to Saul?” This was a true statement because Israel had taken on the spirit of Saul from his waywardness and disobedience to God. Israel had come down from their high elevation as servants to Jehovah to become mere servants to Saul. But this affirmation had already been rendered by the prophet Samuel who had gave them a previous warning that when they chose King Saul to be their king, they would become Saul’s footmen, bakers, cooks, and confectioners, because they chose to have a monarchy over a theocracy where the God of Israel was the sole master and King. My brothers and sisters please notice the gut checking statement the giant proposes…”Choose you a manfor you, and let him come down to me.”

I began to think about Saul’s son Jonathan who had won a battle against the Philistines as stated in 1Sam. 14:6-10 “And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few. And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart. Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them. If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the LORD hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.” but I notice the defect in his faith where the words are rendered “If they say thus“…faith never says “if,” It has to look DIRECTLY at God. When Jonathan said “There is no restraint to the Lord,” he spoke the truth, but if he had truly trusted in the ability of God, he would not have sought for a sign. Yes, the Lord graciously gave him the sign, just as He had given Gideon also.  But this Goliath situation required something far greater than what Jonathan had ever experienced!

Saints, God has chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the minds of the so called wise. This is why the Lord chooses individuals like you and I who he secretly prepares as an instrument for His new and more difficult assignments. He always trains in secret those whom He has foreordained to be used in public; so that He can get all the glory. Jesus makes His servants acquainted with Him in the secret solemnity of His sanctuary, and causes His greatness to pass before them so that they are conditioned to walk victorious in the difficult path put before them. GOLDEN NUGGET!

Hence it was with David. He had been alone with God while keeping the sheep in the wilderness; his soul had become filled with the thought of God’s power; and now the Lord allows him to  make his appearance in the valley of Elah, in all the simplicity and self-renouncing dignity of a true man of faith. God shows us in this recorded account how all the other men of Israel were empty as they were insulted by the Goliath for forty days by his boasting! Please note my brothers and sisters that the number “40” in the Bible is often used to represent a testing period rendered by the Lord. Saul could not handle the test; Jesse’s three eldest sons could not handle the test; and yes, even Jonathan could not handle this test. All appeared to be lost until David, the one who had been tested and proved on numerous occasions appeared. When David appeared he was clothed with the strength of God!

When the words of Goliath were reported to David, he immediately  recognized it as an insult and a blasphemous defiance of the living God. “Who,” said he, “is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” David’s faith recognized in the mist of  trembling host before him was the army of the living God, and he made the question asked be between God and the Philistine, and not between the faithless men of Israel and the Philistine!

When faith is executed, it brings our soul into direct connection with the grace and faithfulness of God and His purpose toward us His people. It is obvious that Israel had brought all this sorrow and humiliation upon themselves because of their disobedience and unfaithfulness. So one of the main questioned to be answered was “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?”

Wow, this was an inquiry of faith. David did not even consider Saul’s army, because his faith exceeded them all. The army was renamed by David as the army of the living God; an army under the command of the same Captain that had led His hosts through the Red Sea, through the terrible wilderness, and through Jordan. The same Captain that identified himself  to Joshua in Jos. 5:13-15 “And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? And the captain of the LORD’S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.” Hence David stood on documented evidence that had been presented before him, therefore it satisfied the situation he faced with the giant!

My brothers and sisters, just like it was with Israel it is sometimes the same way with us who are in the Body of Christ. When situations and circumstances seem to overwhelm us we seem to move away from childlike faith! Hence we sink into a low carnal state, which removes us from perpetually understanding the principles of  how the power of God works in our soul when we do not strive to trust him. But please know that those who strive to stand in the breach will often be labeled and misunderstood  in diverse ways! They will be accused of having the wrong motive because they act independently from those who lack faith, e.g. like David’s elder brother Eliab accused him of.

1 Sam. 17:28 “And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake to the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness?I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thy heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.” This is how Eliab perceived  David all because David possessed great faith in his God! But David’s response was more than appropriate. “And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a CAUSE?” Those of us who say we love the Lord in these last and evil days against the wiles of the devil, must realize that we have a CAUSE for what we are fighting for! We are fighting in Jesus’ army because he has delivered us from the bondage of sin, and we desire not be entangled again. We are fighting to see His face in peace upon His return for the Church!

This world will never acknowledge our anointing, and accordingly David’s anointing was not recognized by Eliab, nor by his brothers Abinadab or Shammah, because they were all faithless, and hence remained powerless to pursue the needed victory. It is the same today when there is a need in ministry and the Lord sends individuals in the mist of perceived season Saints who have become acclimated in a faithless walk; and get upset when the Lord does a marvelous work through the individuals who believe it can be done because “There is a CAUSE!” GOLDEN NUGGET!

Notice how David steps up for the CAUSE! “And David said to Saul, Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” Saints, WHEN one possesses  serious precious faith! no perceived difficulty can deter them, and nothing can stand in their way. Who and what were the Philistine to David? Nothing! Goliath tremendous height, his impressive armor, were like some of the circumstances and situations we face today, hence we cannot look at them through the natural eye, because our faith looks straight to God!If David’s soul had not been grounded in faith, he could not have uttered the words, “Thy servant will go,” But I want you to notice the words of Saul, who should of been the first one to volunteer to face Israel’s dreadful enemy: “And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine.” What language is this for the king of Israel! What a contrast between this man of offense, and David a man of power! Wow, we have some spiritual leaders today who have the same words and spirit! Wimps who won’t stand for Christ because of the fear of being ostracize! GOLDEN NUGGET! 

As a pastor and leader, I recognize the sacrifices I render to Jesus to be the under Shepherd to watch and defend the sheep Jesus has put me over. King Saul should have gone forth in the defense of the flock which had been entrusted to his care; but it was obvious that Saul did not care about the sheep of Israel, but was selfish concerning his own needs. Which proved he was not fit for the office of kingship that the Lord had allowed him to be anointed for.

Again notice Saul statement “Thou art not able.” True, but God was; and David was leaning simply upon the strength of the arm of the Lord. His faith laid hold of the ability of Him who had appeared to Joshua beneath the walls of Jericho. His faith was still in the God who cause the earth to slow down its gravitational pull from the sun and the moon so that day light would remain until Joshua was able to execute the judgment of God upon the Canaanites during battle!

There is nothing that can possibly replace the persevering power when we prove that we believe that God will fight for us.This alone can remove every obstacle; it can lift our soul above all human influence, and affords us the opportunity to experience the omnipotence of God. When this happens it assures us that we are on the Lord’s side, and that His hand and favor is working of our behalf. The Apostle Paul stated “I can do all things, through Christ which strengthens me.” And again, and because of this “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” The very weakest saint can do all things through Christ, even when things seem insurmountable.

So, when Saul looked upon David, and compared him with Goliath, he made the right statement saying, “Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.” But Saul was comparing flesh with flesh because he perpetually walked in his flesh and could not perceive the spiritual victory to be wrought!

Hence, David has to give Saul his spiritual Bio that had built up his faith  “And David said to Saul, Thy servant kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: and I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” This was the argument of faith. The same hand of God that had delivered from various difficulties would deliver him from another. There is no “if” in all this. David did not wait for a sign; he simply said, “Thy servant will go.” David had felt the power of God’s presence with him in secret before he came forth to present himself in public as the servant of God and of Israel.

It is obvious based on my studies that David had never boasted of his triumph over the lion and the bear to anyone else, this opportunity was used for the purpose to show why his confidence was so solid in God. The Apostle Paul did not divulged his secret concerning the experience of being  Raptured to the third Heaven and given an abundance of revelation concerning Christ and the Church until fourteen years later when he revealed it to the church of Corinth in the writings of his epistle to them.

David, however, kept the secret of his triumph over the lion and the bear concealed in his own mind, and did not bring it forth until it was fitting to give reason why he had much strength in God through faith to pursue his CAUSE; Notice my brothers and sisters that he does not speak of himself as if he achieved anything, but he simply says, “The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. Wow! this is powerful! A faith that counts on God for everything, and trusts the flesh for nothing. A faith that brings God into every difficulty, and leads us with overwhelming thankfulness, a faith that hides self and gives Jesus Christ all the glory. I perpetually pray that our souls comprehend more and more concerning this blessed faith.

Saints, it was only when David had made a clear and unequivocal statement of faith in the presence and power of God, did Saul say, “Go, and the Lord be with thee.” Unfortunately Saul did not know what was involved in having the Lord with him. Saul appearedto trust the Lord, but in reality he trusted his armor. If he truly understood what he said, why would he think of putting on armor? “The Lord be with thee” came out of  Saul’s mouth, but because it came from him it really meant nothing, because he could not walk it out.

How often do we use words concerning the Lord, i.e., we speak of trusting the Lord, when, in reality, we are leaning on some circumstance, or a set of circumstances.

My brothers and sisters this is what Saul exhibited, when he rendered the expression “The Lord be with thee,” then he proceeded to arm David with his own armor that he wears, and he put a helmet of brass upon his head; he also  armed him with a coat of mail. He had no other mindset than David was to fight in the usual way and methodology that was common. No doubt, Saul professed the battlein the name of the Lord; but he thought David was going to  use his means. We too, from time to time frequently speak of using means through our own arm and shut God out; we also profess to use means in dependence upon God, and, in reality, use the name of JESUS in dependence upon the means. The question and answer is conclusive whether Saul had confidence in the Lord or armor? It was in armor not doubt, and likewise with all those who do not truly walk by faith, it is the means they lean upon, and not upon God! GOLDEN NUGGET!

Please note that when you know God, it is imperative that you prove all things Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 1Th. 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Now David felt that Saul’s armor and coat of mail were not of such means, and he, therefore, refused them. If he would of used Saul’s armor the victory would not have been manifested through the Lord. Note, that  David had already professed and established his premise in the faith of the Lord’s deliverance, and not in human armor. {Faith has to wait on God, for it allows Him to use whatever means that please Him}…What pleased God was a sling shot, and 5 smooth stones….Glory be to God!

The word of God is so consistent…”And David girded his sword upon his armor, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said to Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.”  I truly believe that David’s trial was not when he met the giant in battle, but it was when he was tempted to use Saul’s armor. If the enemy had succeeded in inducing him to use the armor, God would not of  been sanctified in the eyes of the people!  But through grace, David rejected it, and left himself entirely in the hands of the Lord. For the victory was not by the means of Saul’s armor, but the Lord alone. Because it was for a particular CAUSE to give God the Glory.

My brother and sister notice how verse #40 apexes the CAUSE! It shows us David’s armor. “And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.” Wow, how his sling must have contrasted with Goliath’s spear like a weaver’s beam! In fact, David could not have inflicted a deeper wound upon the Philistine’s pride than by coming against him with such weapons. Goliath felt this. “Am I a dog?” said he. But Saints it mattered not, in the judgment of faith, what he was, whether a dog or giant; he was an enemy of the people of God, and David was meeting him with the weapons of faith.

“Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God ( Jehovah and Elohim) of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand . . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.”  It is so interesting to observe David’s address to Goliath. He does not say, “I come to thee with a sling and a stone.” No; but, “in the name of the Lord of hosts.” Notice not by David’s means, but “the Lord of Hosts” on which he fixes his eyes.

It is so imperative that we continue to emphasize the CAUSE during our walk from here to glory. For our eyes must stay fixed on Jesus Christ, as we deal with the strongholds surrounding us as expressed by the Apostle Paul in the 6th Chapter of Ephesians. Hence, let our mindset and desires remind us to ask the question “Is There Not a CAUSE?” so when we question the things we go through, we can render the answer concerning the CAUSE…”Yes, that God may get the glory out of my life”  Have a “JESUS DAY“