ODB: on shoulders of giants
October 17, 2009
READ: Joshua 1:1-9
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. —Joshua 1:5
Giants hold a special place in our lore—both historical and literary. From the real giant Goliath to the fictional giant of Jack and the Beanstalk fame, we are fascinated by these larger-than-life characters.
Sometimes we use the word giant to honor ordinary-size people who have done extraordinary things. One example is the 17th-century physicist Sir Isaac Newton. A committed Christian, he credited his success to other “giants” who had gone before. “If I have seen a little further,” he said, “it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Indeed, Newton became a giant on whose shoulders later scientists stood—even as they used his observations in the conquest of space flight.
When God commanded Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua certainly had a giant’s shoulders to stand on. He had watched Moses’ leadership for 40 years, and now he would put what he had learned into action.
Joshua had another advantage—his walk with God sustained his life’s mission. Therefore, he had both Moses’ example and God’s promised presence as he led Israel.
Looking for help as you face the future? Look for a giant to follow. And never underestimate the importance of your walk with God. — Dennis Fisher
A good example is someone who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
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This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels (Revelation 12:9).
READ: Acts 19:11-20
The bumper sticker on the road-worn Saab in front of me caused me to laugh out loud. Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons,
for you are crunchy, and good with ketchup.
The owner of that car has a great sense of humor. But the saying presents a profound truth: Don’t tangle with those who have the potential to devour you.
Scripture refers to the devil as a dragon (Revelation 12). Though weakened from his original state, he remains the powerful leader of those angels who rebelled against God. The “dragon” is real, and he is not to be meddled with.
As Paul served God in Ephesus, some local religious leaders envied his ability to perform miracles. So they tried to imitate him by casting out evil spirits. Luke the historian tells us: “They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!’ . . .
The evil spirit replied, ‘I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?’” (Acts 19:13-15). For their troubles, the men received the thrashing of their lives (v.16). How presumptuous they were to think they could have power over demons without knowing Jesus! Even Michael, one of God’s most powerful angels, did not dare to argue with the devil. Instead, he simply said, “The Lord rebuke you” (Jude 1:9).
Yet it is equally wrong to fear the devil unnecessarily. In a passage that warns us about those who oppose the things of God, John gives us these comforting words: “You belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people [who serve Satan], because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world” (1 John 4:4).
The Lamb was slain for us (Revelation 5:6-10). We don’t need to slay dragons. Someone far more powerful has already defeated our foe. —Tim Gustafson
Do you make the mistake of not believing in the devil? Do you obsess over his power? What’s dangerous about either extreme?
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Read the ODB article that inspired this short animation
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