³⁸ Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail. ³⁹ David strapped Saul’s sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not used to them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them.” So David removed them. ⁴⁰ Then he took his staff in his hand, and chose five smooth stones from the wadi, and put them in his shepherd’s bag, in the pouch; his sling was in his hand, and he drew near to the Philistine. ⁴¹ The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. ⁴² When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. ⁴³ The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. ⁴⁴ The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the field.” ⁴⁵ But David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ⁴⁶ This very day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head;” 1 Samuel 17:38-46

A shepherd named David came from keeping his father’s sheep, when he decided that something needed to be done. He seemed to have had more courage than all the mighty men of Israel. Thus G-d often chooses the least likely person to do great things for G-d, for people, and for the world. Our experiences in this world ought to encourage us to trust in G-d, yet we, like Thomas, often have our doubts. And yet G-d has the power to deliver, has delivered, and will continue to do so. David was not used to heavy armor, the kind Saul put upon him, and so he was not satisfied to go into battle dressed as such. So, with just his wits, and the most simple of weapons, David defeated Goliath, which tells us this victory was from the Lord. Often we think we need “great armor” like more knowledge or more experience before we witness for our faith. David reminds us that sometimes all we need is a willingness to hear the calling and the trust to follow.

Remember, faith, prayer, truth, and righteousness, these are the armor of G-d. When we go forward in faith, use prayer, speak the truth, and act in righteousness, then we know we are battling with the weapons of Christ.

Pastor Dave

“Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you. ² Now here is our kinsman Boaz, with whose young women you have been working. See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. ³ Now wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. ⁴ When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then, go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do.” ⁵ She said to her, “All that you tell me I will do.” ⁶ So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had instructed her. ⁷ When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and he was in a contented mood, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came stealthily and uncovered his feet, and lay down.” Ruth 3:1-7

Being married requires a lot of work – but should also have its moments of rest and relaxation, as much as it can anyway. Therefore, marriage should be engaged in with great seriousness, with earnest prayers for direction, for the blessing of G-d, and with regard to G-d’s will. Parents should carefully advise their children in this important concern, yet I wonder what parents are teaching their children today. The course Naomi advised appears strange to us; but it was according to the laws of Israel. The laws and customs of their time gave Ruth, who was now a proselyte to the “true” religion, a legal claim upon Boaz. Today, not enough young couples are choosing to marry – thus complicating the rule of law when it comes to the marriage estate.

Where is the state of marriage going in our society?   How do women or men seek to lay “claim” on someone today?  How do the laws of our society or the expectations of our society help or hinder marriage?  Do people claim such loyalty on relationships as did Ruth and Naomi?

Pastor Dave