Last week, my kids and I enjoyed a field trip to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. We saw many early Renaissance pieces, Impressionist paintings, and sculptures, but one piece, a ceremonial shield, truly ministered to me in a fresh way.
Here is the piece shown in more detail: it is a leather-covered wooden shield depicting the victory of David over the giant Goliath.
This is a Bible story most of us are very familiar with, and yet, I had never stopped to consider all the many connections this biblical account has with other parts of Scripture.
If you look at the shield closely (feel free to click on the picture above to enlarge it!), you can see David swinging a loaded slingshot, and yet, Goliath has already been killed and decapitated beneath his feet. It is as though two separate periods of time are depicted--the present and the future. Very unusual, right? However, this got me to thinking...aren't we as believers in Christ already victors over death and sin, even as we struggle in the midst of them today? Do we truly realize that the battle has already been won, thanks to Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and does the way in which we live our lives reflect this biblical reality?
Another thing that struck me afresh in this painting is the rock in Goliath's forehead. I had always associated the word "stone" with the story of David and his slingshot, but I started to think about the word "rock" as I took in this painting during our tour.
Where else in Scripture is God described as our Rock?
"I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies." --Psalm 18:1-3
Just as David was victorious by slinging his rock at the evil giant, are we not also the victors as God battles for us, as our Rock? It is not our fist that must strike evil, but it is our God, our Rock, that does battle in our stead, for as I am reminded in Jehosephat's account, the battle is truly the Lords!
"And he said, 'Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, "Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's."' --2 Chronicles 20:15
And it is not only the God of the Old Testament that is described as our Rock; Jesus, too, is called the "cornerstone" of the Church:
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." --Ephesians 2:19-22
Furthermore, Peter's confession of stating "You are Christ" is the Rock upon which His mighty Church stands. The Church will always be victorious, being built upon this Rock of Christ.
"He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." --Matthew 16:15-18
And, there is so much more, dear friend! We, too, as believers, are called "living stones" and are being built up into this mighty fortress, as a temple to the Lord.
"As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." --1 Peter 2:4-5
Do you see it, dear friend? Do you see this beautiful symbolism of the rock in Goliath's forehead?
- God Himself is our Rock
- He fights and wins our battles for us
- Christ, the cornerstone, the foundation of the Church, will prevail victorious
- We, His living stones, are being built up and strengthened for His glory
May you be encouraged today, dear one, in whatever battle you are in, or in the midst of staring down whatever giant you are facing--God is the Rock in your sling, you are His living stone, part of His victorious Church, and you WILL stand victorious!
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