Make the Giants Small

Read 2 Samuel 10-12, 21:15-22
 
2 Samuel 21:15-22 Once again the Philistines were at war with Israel. And when David and his men were in the thick of battle, David became weak and exhausted. 16 Ishbi-benob was a descendant of the giants; his bronze spearhead weighed more than seven pounds, and he was armed with a new sword. He had cornered David and was about to kill him. 17 But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue and killed the Philistine. Then David’s men declared, “You are not going out to battle with us again! Why risk snuffing out the light of Israel?”
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2 Samuel 11:9-11 But Uriah didn’t go home. He slept that night at the palace entrance with the king’s palace guard. 10 When David heard that Uriah had not gone home, he summoned him and asked, “What’s the matter? Why didn’t you go home last night after being away for so long?” 11 Uriah replied, “The Ark and the armies of Israel and Judah are living in tents, and Joab and my master’s men are camping in the open fields. How could I go home to wine and dine and sleep with my wife? I swear that I would never do such a thing.”
 
ARE you aware a giant warrior nearly killed David? David’s soldier Abishai saved his life. Then David’s men urged him to refrain from future battles, so the light of Israel  would not be snuffed out. This almost a Messiah-like reference to David. He had extraordinary honor from his army and nation at that point in his life.
   The soldiers admonition perhaps explains 2 Samuel 11:1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war…David stayed behind in Jerusalem. David stayed back from the physical war and giant warriors; yet an unrelenting giant would attack his soul.
   You know the giant, too. He comes against us all. His name is Temptation. David, the magnificent king of Israel, a man with a great heart for God, allowed Temptation to taunt his desires.
   How does that happen to a man of God? In contrast, Uriah, a Hittite soldier, came from a pagan people. Still he honors those who fight for the king. And God’s chosen king dishonors and destroys the one who fights for him.
   David, how could you be so greedy, so cruel, so lost? Did you call out to Temptation as you did to Goliath, “You come to me with (temptations of the flesh), but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Today the Lord will conquer you. (from 1 Sam 17:45-46a) Where was your strength that night, David?
    Why with a house full of women you could choose, did you choose Uriah’s wife? Did Temptation cause you to forget Uriah was once among your personal protectors? You betrayed a faithful guard with an unguarded heart.
   The core of our sin nature is to want more than God has given. Is it ever possible to keep our eyes at home - to be thankful and happy with what we have? Being satisfied will keep Temptation small and even chase him away. Remember God’s command: Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Then remember the people’s response:  18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear.  
   Fear God and you will not be afraid of the giants.   
 
Listen to David’s words here: Psalms 36:1Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all.