The challenge of Goliath ...

     It seems strange to not be preparing Bulletins for this coming Sunday’s service of worship, but then I’m retired now. So I’ll have to get used to it. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about the reading this week from the Hebrew Text [1^st Samuel 17;57-18:5, 10-16] ... the story of David and Goliath.
     Tradition tells us that the Army of Israel has been stalled upon the battlefield. A giant of a warrior has challenged any Israelite warrior to personal combat. None of the Israelite warriors is able to challenge Goliath, and so the Israelite must wait until someone is willing to come forward to confront this massive foe.
     Sometimes within our own lives we find ourselves challenged to stand up to either an individual or a task which seems to be far beyond our ability to handle or over-come. How is it possible for us to face a bully; someone who is mean spirited and yet massive in size, abilities, or wealth? Is it even possible for us to risk our own future or safety for the sake of defending someone else? This are only some of the real questions which race through the thoughts of an individual who is either confronted by or witness to a bully in action.
     We also know that there have been down through history individuals who have raised up to met the challenges. Some have done so in defense of themselves, but the most noted ones are those who have discovered the courage to face such challenges in the defense of those who could not defend themselves. We call this individuals heros, but the reality is that they are the ones who have answered the challenge given to all of so long ago ... do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
     If we were being challenged ... if we were being oppressed ... if we were being threatened, wouldn’t we want someone to help us? That’s what God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit is asking us to do. We are expected to help each other ... all of our sisters and brothers.