Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Greetings, dear ones.
One of the good things about having an ailing memory is that I keep forgetting how overwhelmed I am. Even now as I offer this little introduction, I’m choosing not to look at the list just yet. One thing at a time. I’ll get this off, then select another focus for my tunnel-vision. If I was too good of a multi-tasker, I think I would go more nuts than I already am. How’s that for finding virtue in short-comings?
Once again, she’s a beautiful morning out there. But once again, it’s too late to jog. Phooey. But I did spend some time excavating a glass splinter out of Thano’s hand.
Whatever you’re up to today, I hope you’re up to it. Be blessed.
Love, Dad/Ray.
Reading the sketchy record of “David’s mighty men” (11:10) is impressive, to say the least. The volunteer army he attracted of highly motivated and skilled warriors (killing machines), most being defectors from the service of Saul, was a vital key to the success of David’s political campaign. During that period, one would not find signs along roadways saying, “Vote for David” or hear radio ads with the same message. Political superiority was clearly based in military superiority. And David’s men were about as superior as they come—some individuals proving themselves in battle odds of 300 to 1—and single-handedly winning. Particularly noteworthy to me is the ambidextrous group that “were able to shoot arrows or to sling stones right-handed or left-handed” (12:2). Since it was widely known that David had been privately anointed King by Samuel, that David had an exceptionally clean and honorable record, and that he himself had proven himself as an incredible mighty man with warrior skills, he attracted other testosterone-pumped fighters without any recruiting—like flies attracted to honey. While military strength and expertise was a vital key, it sure wasn’t the whole key. The following comment puts things in perspective: “And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD Almighty was with him” (11:9).
I’m pondering some psycho-spiritual ideas related to this description. Consider this angle: Masculine competitive aggression coupled with strength and skill are desirable qualities to seek if you’re putting together an army—but there are huge dangers in possessing them.
- The pride and self-confidence that these qualities tend to yield raise the likelihood of one being killed by them.
- Possessing these exterior qualities also tends to reduce the interior quality of a HEART AFTER GOD. “Why do I need God when I’m so big and tough? I can take care of myself? If anyone wants to take me on, I’ll make him wish he hadn’t!”
I may be more motivated than some to seek alternatives to this typical male mindset—I’m a little scrawny guy. But my honest reasoning with a Biblical filter concludes that the recipe for complete manhood from the Creator’s perspective absolutely requires a HEART AFTER GOD. Do big tough cocky men, over-inflated and preoccupied with their (God-given) physicality, really believe that God is impressed? By His standards, they are actually wimps—and with that self-flattering attitude, they will never embrace the beginning point of their real strength and completeness as defined in Romans 12:1-2 and Ephesians 6:10. And that’s where David shines bright as a worthy role model—in spite of his human short-comings. In this regard, “Vote for David.”