Visiting our grandchildren is always a pleasure. Once when we visited, our four year old grandson was wielding a newly aquired plastic sword, and he said to me, “I can’t really decide if I want to be David or Goliath.” I asked, “What’s the difference?” “well,” he said, Goliath had a great sword.” “Yes”, I answered; “but, you know that David ends up with Goliath’s sword,” “He does?!” “Yes,” I answered, “and he gets to keep it, too.” “Oh! Then I’ll be David,” he said. “Good choice,” I replied.

I had once heard a speaker say that the story of David and Goliath should be read to understand that we are all like the frightened and paralyzed Israelite soldiers at the sight of Goliath, needing a savior and acting as bystanders to the drama of David that was unfolding in front of them. As a contrast, the four year old saw in the story that the only question it presents is ‘who will have the sword in the end?’

Recently I read a statement from a theologian that it is impossible to grasp and understand the Bible without a full knowledge of the ancient Greek and Hebrew languages. Such a truth would leave most of the readers of the Bible unable to receive the blessing of reading accurately. Even St. Augustine, (354-430 AD) a teacher of the Bible and a Bishop in the the early church, never studied Greek, but contributed to the survival and the endurance of the church through the dark ages and even up to present time,as most denominations continue to look to Augustine for inspiration.

The Bible is thousands of years old, and every generation has looked for a fresh and new interpretation of the sacred book. Some of the most learned, like Augustine, have left us with wonderful insights: “The God who was able to thrust you out in proper shape from the womb, Himself wishes you to judge what can be done from what has been done, and to believe that He can also bring you alive from the tomb.” (Sermon 242a) Perhaps Psalm 16 was Augustine’s inspiration.: My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead. (Psalm 16:9)

I believe that God speaks to the humblest and the highest through His book whenever the Bible is read in simple faith and a personal desire to be close to the Spirit of God. From children to learned men and women, the word of life can open our spirits to a fuller participation in God’s life here on earth . Sometimes even the simplicity of children opens our eyes to God’s relationship with us. May we all decide to be like David.

Love in Him,

Prue