THAT must have been a tense moment in the valley of Elah, when the shepherd boy David went forth to accept the challenge of the giant of Gath; especially as there was "no sword in the hand of David." The contest seemed so unequal that exultation on the one hand and dismay on the other probably held sway over the opposing hosts met in battle array; and when the issue was determined so quickly, so completely, and so triumphantly, "the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted"! In some degree the thrill of that hour has extended throughout all the succeeding years.
As they resumed their peaceful pursuits, men probably discussed the combat; and when families gathered on their housetops in the cool of the evening, as was their wont, it seems likely that all the details would be gratefully recounted and dwelt upon by those who had witnessed it; and succeeding generations had the story handed down to them, even as it has come to us. Around our own firesides, in this day, the story has lost none of the beauty, the power, and the significance which invested it of old. It is told in simple but forceful language in the Bible; and because Christian Scientists are taught to look beyond the letter for the spiritual lessons which apply to their daily need for guidance, they highly esteem this Scriptural narrative.
It is an appealing picture which David, "but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance," makes to the imagination. His pursuits had been peaceful; and in contrast to this, he was to meet one who had been "a man of war from his youth." At the outset we are reminded that youth is no impediment to a true knowledge of God, of good. Indeed, Christ Jesus plainly taught that we must "become as little children" in order to enter heaven—in order to demonstrate and participate in the harmonies of real existence. He obviously meant that we should cultivate childlike receptiveness of good; and we do know that the little ones frequently bring forth striking proofs of their knowledge of God. Pride of intellect argues that one must have lived so long, and studied so long, measured in terms of years, in order to demonstrate the practical knowledge of spiritual truths; but this is not justified. An hour of communion with the Father can bring from Him intuitions and inspirations of transcendent power. Spiritual receptivity is not a question of time, but of consecrated seeking and of childlike obedience.
