Who Is the True Victor?

Many times, people read verses like the following with a certain kind of interpretation that I believe is mistaken. “Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture“ (Psalm 100:3, ESV). You’ve probably heard that we’re compared to sheep because sheep are dumb, but I don’t think God is calling us dumb. That said, sheep cannot save themselves from bears or lions, the same way that we cannot save ourselves from the law of God. We are guilty and helpless under the law before God. 

Why does this matter? Let’s take the story of David and Goliath as an example. I hear pastors come to this story, and they say things like “You’re a giant-slayer! God has called you to be world-changer!” 

Can I tell you that there is only one giant-slayer, and his name is Jesus?

There are Pentecostal preachers who will say stuff like “The devil’s in the phonebooth, dialing 911 right now!” Well, maybe he is, but it isn’t because of any of us walked through the door. It’s because Christ is living in us. The devil does not fear us, but he fears the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 

No matter what we’re facing or how well we’re walking in faith, we still need the one and only giant-slayer. I believe that the story of David and Goliath is a picture of Jesus destroying the power of sin and the grave. Christ has defeated the devil and every demonic attempt to destroy your soul. 

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:28-30).

When David slew Goliath, all the Israelite men who were ready to run suddenly had hope and a shout of victory in their hearts. The same is true for us at the empty tomb. As soon as Jesus came out of that grave, we all were given a shout of victory. Not because we were strong enough. No, our victory comes from Christ.

^{John Bailey is the Vice President of World Challenge Inc. and the Founding Pastor of The Springs Church in Jacksonville, Florida. John has been serving the Lord in pastoral ministry for 35 years, ministering the gospel in over 50 nations, particularly as a pastor and evangelist in Cork, Ireland.}