Stoned

John 8:7 (New International Version)

"But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

So while thinking about the story of David and Goliath today, this scripture came to mind. And I thought....."What?" Really, what does Jesus talking to the Pharisees about a woman's sin have to do with the story of David slaying Goliath. Then I finally realized, not a thing!

The David and Goliath story is a great model of how we should live our lives; victorious for the name of God. We are to go out into the world with what God has given us and use His power to slay the Giants in our lives. Whether it's debt, drugs, pornography, or anger; we've all faced giants and will surely face them again. David's great faith in the God of Israel; his unwavering courage in the face of great danger is an inspiration to us all. Without a second thought, David said (paraphrased...) I've destroyed lions and bears to protect sheep, surely I can destroy this Philistine who blasphemes the name of my God!! And so he did, with a sling and a stone, David defeated Goliath and was a champion for Israel.

It's an outstanding story, but I think there's more. To quote the late Paul Harvey, "And now....the rest of the story."----------

In every story, every life, every high priest, and every garment. In every verse, chapter, and book of the Bible is the story of Jesus Christ and His power and might. In all of it is the story of His sacrifice for our redemption, and in all of it is the story of His courage and kingsmanship. (yes--I am now making up words)

Perhaps when Jesus spoke these words to the Pharisees He thought about the story of David and hoped that the connection would someday be made.

The people of Israel needed a Champion. They needed someone with great courage and NO fear to face the giant. On the other side of the field was the Philistine army and their giant. Daily he came, taunting and mocking the Nation of Israel. Behind him was an army waiting for the opportunity to take hold of the Nation, make them slaves, to have dominion over them.

This story parallels our own lives, for we are the Nation of Israel and our giant is the Devil. Behind him are our past sins and mistakes, waiting to rule over our lives. Daily the Enemy comes to the battle field and taunts us. He mocks us. He makes us feel week and powerless. We need a Champion too! Enter Christ. Our Champion, the Good Shepherd (just like David). We are His people and He is our Savior. Christ didn't fear the Devil!! Christ chose to walk out onto that battle field and face him. Christ conquered the Devil and his army at the Cross.

So what of the stone? David used a single stone to bring down the giant, Goliath on the battle field that day. God Almighty wrote the Law on stone for Moses on top of the Mount Sinai. Jesus Christ walked a perfect life on this Earth, fulfilling the Law and thus becoming the Rock of our Salvation. You see, He who is without sin did cast the stone. He cast Himself at the Devil and cold conked him right there on the battle field. He did it so that we may be redeemed to the Father and be seen as perfect before a mighty and perfect God.

Because you are the righteousness of Christ, when sin and the Devil come your way; cast the first stone. In fact, cast the Rock. Throw Jesus at the Devil and stand victorious on the battle field.