God’s Own Heart
Will you pursue God's own heart?
“Then as he talked with them, there was the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, coming up from the armies of the Philistines; and he spoke according to the same words. So David heard them. And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were dreadfully afraid. So the men of Israel said, ‘Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel; and it shall be that the man who kills him the king will enrich with great riches, will give him his daughter, and give his father’s house exemption in Israel.’ Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, ‘What shall be done for the man who kills the Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God,’” 1 Samuel 17:23-26.
You’ve heard the expression many times before... “A man after God’s own heart.” What does it mean to be a person after the heart of God? Does it mean to model God-like qualities like love, generosity and compassion? That’s part of it. Does it mean to pant after God, regardless of personal cost. We’re getting closer. Could it possibly mean to so passionately pursue after God...to become so entwined with Him that you actually share His own heartbeat? Now I think we’re getting somewhere! Is it conceivable that a human being could be so enraptured with the divine character that his or her own heart would begin to beat with the very justice and compassion of God? I think we’re starting to understand why David had the Lord’s attention.
When Saul could think of no other way to find a challenger to the mighty giant, he offered his men riches, his daughter’s hand in marriage, and exemption from taxes. The problem was that in order to enjoy these great benefits one would have to kill the giant first. It didn’t take an Old Testament rocket scientist to figure out that if he failed in his mission, he wouldn’t be around to claim his prize.
The problem in this whole scenario was that everyone was self-focused. Each soldier reviewed the enemy’s challenge in light of his chances to protect his own life, promote his own position, and provide for his own financial needs. It wasn’t until little David arrived that things were put into proper perspective. David’s statement seems to mock their smallness of thinking! It’s almost like he is saying, “How could you guys even be thinking about those things? Forget the money! Abandon your dreams of a royal marriage! Who cares about tax exemption at a time like this? I want to know who cares about the reproach that our people are under. Is anyone thinking about them? This over-grown, smelly, unclean, God-defying Philistine is mocking Jehovah and all of His representatives! He’s rendered the army utterly useless! That’s what I’m ticked off about. Who’s going to do something about that? I know I’m not an official member of this army, but I’ve killed huge wild animals when they’ve been after one of God’s lambs. If no one else will fight him, then let me at him! He will be like the lion or the bear to me!”
A heart after God’s does not get distracted by the things that capture the attention of most people. In fact, it hardly even notices them. This kind of heart does not weigh life decisions on the balance of self. That’s the beauty of it. A heart after God is not easily swayed by the enemy because it has greater things to consider...It is vitally connected with the thoughts and emotions of God, Himself, and violently hates injustice. This kind of heart has the very resources of heaven at its disposal. A shepherd’s staff and five smooth stones are more than enough when you align yourself with the character and name of your God.
I believe God has once again allowed Goliath to challenge His armies. Through his challenges the heart of each soldier is being revealed. Do they beat to defend the witness of God? Are we angered that our Lord’s army is being mocked and defied? Or are we self-focused, examining how to best protect, promote and provide for ourselves? The Spirit of God is searching the land for people who will chase after His own heart. Will you be one of them?