Delivered Sept. 23, 2007
by Pastor Eric Henderson
Saul clothed David with his armor; he put a bronze helmet on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail. David strapped Saul's sword over the armor, and he tried in vain to walk, for he was not u them. Then David said to Saul, "I cannot walk with these; for I am not used to them." So David removed them. 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.
The Philistine came on and drew near to David, with his shield-bearer in front him. When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth ruddy and handsome in appearance. The Philistine said to David, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?" And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 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." 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. This very day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head; and I will give the dead bodies of the Philistine army this very day to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not save by sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's and he will give you into our hand."
When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.
IntroductionChange is in the air. Nights and most days are colder than a month or two ago. Some leaves are beginning to change from green to red, orange, and golden.
Change is in the air in the life of PMC. Some volunteers have arrived for Villages. Our 2 year Interim Ministry is at the half-way point. To our knowledge we don't need to move a fourth time-yet. Sunday morning has a new schedule and new groups. Furniture has been rearranged, people have assumed new responsibilities, there will be guest preachers for the next three Sundays, children are growing, we're listening for any new things that God may be calling us to, and a new hymnal supplements have been purchased and is being used.
Change was in the air for the leadership of Israel. Saul, the first king, replaced the prophet, priest, and judge Samuel. Saul had a history of defeating enemies, but was now sitting safely behind his army dismayed and terrified. (17:11) Change was in the air. Samuel had already anointed David as the next king of Israel but the transition was only beginning because Saul was still alive and ruling. Would the change in leadership be as rough as the roads in NB, or as smooth as a babies bum?
Change will be in the air about a year from now when our 2 year Interim assignment will be ending. Between now and then, there may be people assuming new responsibilities, new people attending, perhaps new ministries that need changes in the way things are done. Some may no longer be living or there may be new life or a marriage. Will the changes be as rough as riding a Brahma bull, or as smooth as ice on a skating rink?
Sometimes we may deal with enemies and change like Saul who was dismayed and terrified of the enemy of God. Saul was either unable or unwilling to lead in confronting the enemy of God. But David's faith in God created a willingness to take responsibility. David's faith statements were, your servant will go ... The LORD will save me ... (v 32 & 37)
God desires that we face changes and take responsibilities and leadership with faith in God's power and the activities of God's Spirit. God has promised to be with us as we go practicing Christ-like living and welcoming others to practice Christ-like living.
Jesus told the disciples to go make disciples, baptize, teach, feed and cloth people and promised to be with them. We take responsibility by faith that God is with us as we disciple, meet needs, worship and witness to others.
Changes happen as we take responsibility to confront the enemies of God in the words of faith expressed by David, your servant will go ... The LORD will save me.
So far the changes of responsibility have been smooth, because Saul was willing to allow David to take responsibility to confront the enemy. Let's see what happens as David and Saul decide how to deal with the enemy.
Saul was trying to help David by offering his tools of dealing with an enemy. But Saul's ways didn't work for David. One specific method of leadership or way of doing something may fit or it may hinder the next leader. New leaders must courageously lead in a way that is effective for them even if that means removing the previous leader's ways. Old leaders can help transitions progress smoothly by allowing changes. One size does not fit all. (Bring summer hat.)
Marilyn and I try to joke about doing things a certain way and expecting the other to do things the same way because that's the right way. Our way may not fit the next person willing to take responsibility.
One of the best gifts an outgoing leader can give to the next, is to repeat over and over to the group/business that the next leader will be different. My choir directing in Iowa was made much easier because the previous director told all the students in many different ways that the next director would do things differently.
Marilyn and I appreciate the many ways you allow us to be different than any previous leader. The next pastor will be different. We trust that you will not expect the next to be like us.
A Worship committee planned a Maundy Thurs. service that integrated some elements from previous services and added some new elements including liturgical movement. Many who attended the worship service were grateful for the service that was planned. Regrettably, some harshly criticized the group that gave leadership and the participants in the service.
One of the best ways to squelch faith, willingness to take responsibility and the use of gifts is to force others to fit in one size or do things the way one person thinks is right.
I encourage you to allow others in the congregation freedom to assume responsibilities and give leadership in various ways. Outgoing leaders can offer their methods, information, and ideas, but need to allow the next person or group the freedom to use them or discard them.
So far the changes of responsibility have been smooth, because Saul was willing to allow David to take responsibility and discard Saul's way of doing things. How did David carry out the responsibility of confronting the enemy?
David used familiar tools. Tools that he had developed skills in using. Tools with which he had been successful in the past. It is critical for the health of the church for everyone to know their gifts and abilities, to grow in their use, and confidently use them to effectively serve and confront enemies.
The Christian Ed. Committee is offering a teaching session January and February for youth and adults to help us all grow in awareness and use of gifts. God's spirit gives the church a variety of gifts and skills to help everyone mature to healthy followers of Jesus. Marilyn and I appreciate that many of you are using the gifts God has given you in the places where you live and work and in the church. We would like to help others become involved in some of the up-front leadership that we are now doing on Sunday mornings.
When asking people to take responsibility I don't mind no for an answer if people tell me what their gifts and skills are and how they are willing to serve. I do have problems with those who aren't willing to do anything, and don't want to learn what their gifts are and grow in skills.
So far the changes of responsibility have been smooth, because Saul was willing to allow David to take responsibility and discard Saul's way of doing things. David carried out the responsibility of confronting the enemy by using his gifts and skills in the power of the LORD.
Goliath was similar to David. Both took responsibility to lead in the defeat of the enemy. Both had been given permission by a leader to defeat the enemy. Both would use their gifts and skills to defeat the enemy. But there is one major difference which is critical for the outcome. David names the difference in vs. 45 when he says, You come to me with sword and spear and javelin; but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts ...
Change and transition are seldom the enemies of God. II Cor. says that when we are in Christ-things are new-there is change. Jesus came to change the blind to sighted, to make prisoners free, to forgive and call for a changes of life. In short-to change people. The enemies of God are jealousy, hatred, addictions, stubborn hard-heartedness, greed, pride, Satan, slander, sexual immorality and disobedience.
Our willingness to serve, the offering of our gifts and abilities, our willingness to help transitions be as smooth as possible, our desire to confront the enemies of God must be empowered by the Spirit of God.
We battle enemies by faith in God. Ephesians calls us to be strong in the LORD and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, the authorities, the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Later in the chapter, Pray in the Spirit at all times ... (Eph. 6. 10-12, 18)
What enemy is taunting you- perhaps leaving you dismayed and terrified? Sept. 11 Ray reached the milestone of 65 years of age. Some approach retirement and old age as an enemy that leaves them terrified of the changes. Wondering if there life will have value and worth. Some approach new people or new situations with fear and dismay. Some people get nervous just thinking about being in front of people. For others change is viewed as an enemy.
But change is in the air. Let us pray for ourselves, let us pray for others with confidence in the power of God to change us and others. Let us pray that God will strengthen us to face our enemies. Let us take responsibility with confidence that God's Spirit will use our gifts and abilities to defeat the enemies of God. Let us pray with confidence that we can practice Christ-like living and be a welcoming Community of believers.
Petitcodiac Mennonite Church