Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Hunger (11/08/04)
TITLE: No Spear Thrower Here! By Robin Wisch 11/12/04 |
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT SEND ARTICLE TO A FRIEND |
“He who wears this cloak,” the Shining One had declared, “will lead armies, conquer of foes, wield the rod of vengeance, and will receive untold adulation…” Tumultuous praise arose as the throng succumbed to the glory of this fate. “And in the end, your heart shall be known…you shall visit witches…and be quite mad,” finished the Shining One as the cloak descended upon the towering figure.
Having witnessed that, the smallish figure wondered what would be his destiny as he stepped toward the threshold of the portal. Momentarily, he remembered the Shining One declaring before the now silent throng, “this is your destiny, my son. You will live in hunger and fear…and flee for your life, even when you are old. You will hide in caves and beneath rocks. Betrayal shall be your companion. Your enemy will be delivered into your hand…but, you shall do…NOTHING. You shall not wear this destiny for it will be implanted within you…by experience.” Every spirit stepped back in solemnity. The smallish spirit received his gift and stepped into solitude as the throng moved aside.
Returning to the present, he gazed at the mighty Cherubim guarding the portal entrance. The lonely unborn spirit watched as they sheathed their massive swords. Stepping through the entrance, the word of the Creator echoed in his heart, “in your time…you will both be kings.”
David and his band of surly men hid deep in a cave in the jagged Rocks of the Wild Goats near the wilderness of Engedi.
“My lord,” whispered Joab, “today the Lord your God has given your enemy into your hand.” “Yes, my lord, we have run from Saul for lo these many years and you have refused to fight, though he sought your life without cause,” uttered Abishai, Joab’s younger brother.
“Does my Lord, the King need company,” shouted Abner, Saul’s commander, as the king awkwardly maneuvered toward the cave. “No…stay where you are and look out for my betrayer…I shall return momentarily. Saul entered the cave quickly to relieve himself.
“But my lord,” whispered Asahel, Joab and Abishai’s youngest brother as they waited to ambush King Saul, “did he not throw spears at you while you sat at his table?” David remained silent as the King of Israel approached in the darkness.
Joab nudged his commander, “his evil has come upon his own head. Kill him! For you will be vindicated.” Slowly, David’s thoughts caved in on him. His flesh hotly craved to take vengeance on the years of hunger and thirst…of hiding in caves and sleeping with criminals…of fleeing for his life…and of knowing that he was the true king. These desires all came calling at this moment in his soul.
Something deep within the true king though, held back his hand, temporarily…something holy; something patient; something righteous. Flesh warred against spirit, spirit against flesh. Finally, overtaken with emotion, David carefully unsheathed his sword and crept up behind the Israelite King.
As Saul turned to leave, David sliced the edge of his robe with his sword unbeknownst to the King. As Saul exited the cave and called to Abner, David was overtaken with guilt and grief.
Suddenly, David turned to the three brothers and spoke indignantly, “you three and your band of criminals were nothing before you gathered yourselves to me. I neither asked for your help nor sought your protection, but have steadily sought after my God. I have refused to lay my hand against the Lord’s anointed…until today,” scolded David. “The Lord forbid,” David railed on, “that I should raise my hand against the Lord’s anointed.” (I Sam. 24:6) Bewildered, the three warriors stood silently against the wall. “And oh yes, Asahel,” added David finally, “when Saul threw spears at me…I never threw them back.”
Deep in the spirituals, the Lord smiled and angels cheered as they watched young David live his destiny and become a king, inwardly. The Creator looked at his heavenly throng and said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matt 5:6)