Bulletin 46: David and Goliath.

The story of David and Goliath in the bible is a popular theme in a number of sermons in most congregations of the Uniting Church, over many years. And I had previously made a mistake, of  just considering the story in a historical context. That is, I believed that Goliath was a real giant between seven feet and nine feet tall and that David, an inexperienced shepherd, took up a challenge of defeating him to save his people. He killed Goliath with a single sling shot and saved his Jewish people from a dreaded overlordship by the Philistines. After studying at Ridley College in Bible and Theology studies I took a different view on the story. I realised that this is a vital lesson in discernment on writings in the bible.

Also that we should avoid taking a literal interpretation, that seems to be real at face value. Even though David is a historical figure, as attested by his very significant contribution to Psalms, it is more likely the Goliath story is a mythical account, an allegory. It is based upon the necessity for each of us to claim victory over the competing and opposing inner forces in everyone's own self. That means understanding and taking responsibility for what goes on inside our being. And it will take effort and much prayer and contemplation to get there. We should not ignore it!This may be a shock for some people, who believe otherwise, however we always need to be fully aware that most that is written in the bible has the goal of encouraging, and indeed educating us, towards the goal of spiritual maturity. That is an awakening that is different for everyone due to our various individual backgrounds, needs and gifts, yet a divine gift of God that has very great value. 

Examples of similar spiritual exhortations can be found in some other places such as in Poetry, Hymns, mythology and fables, apart from the bible. For example 'Beauty and the Beast', the play is also being performed on stage and  reminds us of the extraordinary power of pure love. In that story the differing levels of age, beauty,  ability and gender account for nothing when two are really in love, the individual differences are simply overlooked by the ardent lovers.The universal power of God's love is what we should exemplify in our lives, the highest expression towards a Christ consciousness that is attainable on Earth. It is  attainable without a doubt for those prepared to put in the necessary efforts, loyalty and persistence.  Universal Love, in its regrettable shortage in the world, unlies with the suffering and wanton destruction that we see in the lives of all victims, of all War's throughout the ages.Today, humanity is still a long distance from finding a lasting peace and it remains an enduring but elusive goal.

Therefore as a church we need to pray earnestly for an uplift in consciousness of humanity, that leads towards lasting peace.This is also looking beyond the confines of the various congregation concerns to a universal accord that eliminates for example all, sexism, denominationalism, nationalism and political ill will that is humanities scourge.It has become increasingly important to address those problems with the huge advances in modern technology and the ability of militant aggressors to upset the balance of all nations. Mankind is unable to have a just war.

Thanks for reading this bulletin and blessings to all.

AMEN srd