And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. I Samuel 17:41
Just a simple thought tonight. “The man that bare the shield” is an often overlooked character in the story of David and Goliath. Have you ever heard of the the story of “David, Goliath, and the obedient armor bearer”? No, I didn’t think so. Jonathan had an armor bearer when he attempted the seemingly impossible throw down with the Philistine forces (1 Samuel 14:7-14). David was Saul’s armor bearer of choice as we see in 1 Samuel 16:17-22. We find later that Saul’s (1 Samuel 31:2-6).
Some men will be thrown into the battle of a life time by choice as David. He saw the need, said “is there not a cause”, and took off running. However, Goliaths armor bearer was thrust into the battle. David as Saul’s armor battle girted his loins waiting for Saul’s move. Saul’s armor bearer took his life immediately after Saul did.
The inference I would like to draw from what we know about armor and shield bearers is that you better take a good look at the man you are standing besides. Jonathan armor bearer was able to see the hand of God move across a field. Saul’s armor bearer followed in the cowardly death of Saul. I am thankful for a pastor and mentor, Austin Gardner, that I do not fear to follow into battle. So many ministers spend all there energy and efforts fighting for or against causes that have not part of the purpose of the church. I am thankful for a pastor with a track record of fighting the battle that matter. If we die in battle together I do have full confidence we will die in the work of the Lord and for the cause of world evangelism.
