THERE IS NONE LIKE THAT

"And David said to Ahimelech, ‘Is there not here on hand a spear or a sword? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste.' So the priest said, ‘The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the Valley of Elah, there it is, wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it. For there is no other except that one here.' And David said, ‘There is none like it; give it to me.'" (1 Samuel 21:8-9, NKJV)

Young David had become close to Jonathan, son of king Saul. Their bond was a spiritual one, and was very close. It is written, "the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul" (1 Sam 18:1). Yet, there was trouble in Jonathan's house over the matter. Infuriated at the popularity of David, king Saul had determined to kill him. When this was confirmed to Jonathan's understanding, he immediately sought to protect David. According to a prearranged plan, Jonathan warned David of his father's wicked intentions. Knowing he had to get away from that area, David left. It was a heart-rending occasion for both him and Jonathan. They wept together, and parted with Jonathan saying, "May the LORD be between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants, forever" (1 Sam 20:29-42).

In his getaway, David came to Nob, and to Ahimelech the priest. The priest was afraid when he saw David alone, imagining some evil was intended against him. When asked why he was there, David gave a reply that has sparked much debate. "The king has ordered me on some business, and said to me, 'Do not let anyone know anything about the business on which I send you, or what I have commanded you.' And I have directed my young men to such and such a place" (1 Sam 21:1). It was at this time that David ate some of the sacred showbread (21:3-6). Jesus referred to this occasion with no condemnation of David (Matt 12:3-4; Lk 6:3-4).

It is then that David inquired about a sword, for, said he, "I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me, because the king's business required haste." Ahimelech replied there was no sword among them–except for one. It was a sort of relic, stored away in memory of a great victory that had been wrought a year earlier. It was "The sword of Goliath the Philistine," wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod (21:8-9). David's memory must have flashed back to that occasion when he conquered that giant warrior "with a sling and with a stone" (17:50). After Goliath had fallen to the ground, David had run to him, drew that very sword out of its sheath, and cut off Goliath's head (17:51). Now David quickly replies, "There is none like it; give it to me" (21:9). The sword must have been massive, having been wielded by a man over nine feet tall. Yet, to David it stood for a mighty triumph over the enemy, wrought by God through a lowly shepherd boy.

There is still place for picking up a sword that has been wrapped up and laid away–a sword used to accomplish great victories in the past. I speak of "the sword of the Word of God." Unlike the sword of Goliath, it has been used in countless battles, and has effectively defeated many an enemy. On the day of Pentecost, Peter used this sword, triumphing over the very people who killed Jesus (Acts 2:14-37). In a wilderness and solitude, it was used by our blessed Lord to effectively repel the strong temptations of the devil (Matt 4:1-11). Even in later history Martin Luther used this grand old sword to remove the head of a religious monster that had dominated the world for more than a thousand years. Truly, there is no sword like the Word of God.

Satan would have us wrap this sword in a theological cloth and place it in the background. He tempts believers to fight with the paper swords of psychology, sociology, science, human logic, and entertainment. But those swords have proved to be inadequate for the battle. It is time to unwrap the good old sword–the Word of God. Although it is a large sword, men and women of faith can wield it with effectiveness. May you be encouraged to say with David, "There is none like it; give it to me!" Believe me, God will do it!

PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You for the sword of the Spirit, Your own word. I acknowledge there is none like it, and that is a good sword. in Jesus' name, grant me grace to wield it with effectiveness for Your glory.

-- Monday: CONCLUSION TO SERIES --
-- Tuesday, New Series: THE CROSS OF CHRIST --