Wounds that God Uses

Wounds that God Uses
Words of Faith 10-21-24
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2024
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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1 Samuel 17:28-29
[28] When Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard him speaking with the men, he burned with anger at him and asked, "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert? I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle." [29] "Now, what have I done?" said David. "Can't I even speak?"

There are times when the biggest enemy we face is not the apparent giant on the battlefield. It is the voice of criticism that comes from within our own ranks. And yet, the Lord can use even the stings of brother.
Who was Eliab? He was David's big brother, the oldest son of Jesse. As a firstborn son, Eliab was a strong leader, ambitious, and driven. He needed to control and very much desired to "succeed."
Eliab had been present when Samuel came to town looking for the one who would be anointed to be the next King of Israel. In fact, he was Samuel's apparent first choice! He was tall, strong, and handsome... like Saul. He looked like a champion on the outside. Still, God rejected him because the Lord looks upon the heart rather than exterior "worldly" standards. Everyone knew that Samuel was the "kingmaker" of sorts, and Eliab must have been aware that there was some special "favor" shown to David.
Eliab was also the family's "big brother." David, the family's baby, looked up to and admired him, so it must have been difficult for Eliab to rebuke him.
Eliab had found success in his military career but was now in an embarrassing situation. He was one of those running away from the taunts of Goliath each day. When he heard David inquiring about this situation, the scripture says he was angry. The Hebrew literally means "nostril" was "blazing" or "incensed."
The description is vivid. Eliab's nostrils flared, and his face flushed with burning ire. We don't know all of why he reacted this way. He may have been embarrassed that his cowardice in dealing with Goliath had been revealed and that David would take this news home to their father, Jesse.
The questions asked by Eliab are almost as mocking as Goliath-- "Why have you come down here? And with whom did you leave those few sheep in the desert?" Eliab drew public attention, in front of those David was talking to, to the fact that he was a shepherd. Shepherding was often done by children, girls, and old men. Eliab deliberately tried to humiliate David and draw attention away from the fact that he was among the many who ran away from the battle daily and refused to face Goliath.
Then Eliab jabbed with three accusations: "I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is; you came down only to watch the battle." Eliab accused David of arrogant pride, sinful wickedness, and cowardice. If we listen closely, we will realize that Eliab was guilty of at least two of these-- pride and cowardice-- and the third probably fit as well.
If you have ever been a younger sibling, you will understand how painful this must have been. It was a moment of public humiliation and betrayal by one of the people David most admired in all life. This brother had been the captain of all the teams and the champion around the neighborhood. This was the big brother whose name and reputation kept younger brothers from being picked on around the village. This was the big brother who had graduated from "special forces" training, the pride of mom and dad.
It must have been a stunning moment as David realized that the big brother he always thought he could count on was just one of the cowards who would prefer to verbally slash him publicly rather than join him in battle. David may have even started to envision a team of Jesse's boys-- four of them side by side-- saying, "You will have to deal with all four of us!" But this sort of plan was to be kept from transpiring.
David must have had to catch his breath before stammering back to the shattered image of his hero-- "Now, what have I done? Can't I even speak?" The scripture says David then "turned away." The Hebrew means to revolve about, but it also carries the weight of turning with purpose in an opposite direction toward another. Physically, there was a change of posture away from Eliab and a change of direction toward God.
It is not hard to imagine David spinning to hide his hurt and blinking back tears. He spun in a new direction that was absolutely toward God. This would not be a battle of brotherly might. This would not be a victory won by familial pride or strength. This was all about God.
The truth is that the Enemy will use any means possible to catch you off guard and discourage you from the victory God has planned. Wounds can come from unexpected places, and the devil uses unwitting accomplices. Eliab had not been persuaded to the side of the Philistines. Still, he was used nonetheless by the Enemy in an attempt to thwart God's champion, David.
But those same wounds can be used powerfully by God. The Lord does not turn brother against brother. Still, we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). The wounds of the enemy can come from those very close to us and still be used by God. Eliab was not the enemy, even if he was being used by one. David did not need to reject Eliab or even argue with him. He simply turned toward God.
Have you been struggling with critics and wounds from those close to you? Have you been tempted to quit because those you looked up to most in life turned out to have their own self-interest at heart? Our heroes always have feet of clay. They are frail vessels. These wounds are not mortal; they simply cause us to turn resolutely toward God. God uses all these things, and his victory will not be thwarted.

Father God, heal the wounds that come from close at hand. Use the wounds that come from a brother. Turn me resolutely toward You. Cause me to depend upon no one but You and to regard no opinion but Yours. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2024
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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