In our gospel reading for today we hear about the disciples, caught in a boat during a storm. Afraid, it seems that they are displaying a lack of trust. Jesus asks them, "Have you no faith?" They respond-filled with awe, wondering if they can believe that it is God they see when they are looking at Jesus. Notice that the text doesn't say that they respond with greater belief or with faith, they just wonder.
In our Old Testament story, we also find those who are afraid. Like the disciples of Mark's gospel, we find King Saul and all of the people of Israel in a state of fear. Wouldn't we be? The text tells of Goliath-his massive size, his armor, his many weapon, his attitude. He is a horrifying presence.
But there is one who steps forward, unafraid. David, a boy (young, just like you who are sitting in the front pews). He is filled with faith. He has total trust in God. He know that God will be with him as he faces Goliath. He does not need what humans have to offer-their armor and weapons. Instead, David relies totally on God. After all, God has saved him for lions and bears while protecting the sheep under his care. Will his God not protect him from Goliath in the same way. It doesn't appear that David hesitates at all. It doesn't even occur to him that he might be in any real danger.
Goliath makes fun of David. He tries to intimidate him in the same way that has been so successful with Saul and the rest of the Israelites. But David's faith is stronger than his fear.
Just picture it. David on one side of a field, a small young boy with no armor or weapons of warfare and Goliath on the other side, covered in armor, a shield bearer out in front, and as many weapons as he can carry. Goliath approaches David, and David doesn't run away. He doesn't turn around or even stand still. Instead, he runs toward the giant-the one who everyone else fears. No fear. Total trust. What a picture.
This week Heritage Church had Vacation Bible School. Volunteers and children. We traveled through time, meeting people of faith. We shared experiences and fun and food-music, too! It was beautiful to watch, all ages together, sharing and growing in faith.
Why do we do this? Why do we take the time and the energy and the money?
I believe that we do it because we want our children to know no fear. We want them to learn and explore and question, so that they may grow in faith, so that they may be as sure of God as a twelve year old boy who is standing in front of a giant.
We want them to know that they do not need to be afraid of earthly things, because the God of Heaven and earth is faithful, and is with us always. We want them to trust God enough that when the fears of life come, as they always do, they won't run away, but will remember their God.
This is important work. It is work that is filled with joy. Here we watch God working in our church, in the lives of both young and old. So, I thank you for sharing your faith, for instilling confidence of our faithful God in the young souls who share this sacred space with us. And I think the children, for sharing their wisdom and their gift of faith. Amen.
Peace,
Rev. Cynthia Bacon
Minister
You may email at:
cbacon@heritagemadison.org
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This page was last updated on July 13, 2003.