Devotionals

Goliath's Spear for Christmas

by Terry Barlow
01/02/14
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The aged Simeon's prophecy to Mary in Luke 2 v35 contains this statement: "a sword shall pierce through your own soul and the thoughts (or schemes) of many hearts shall be revealed." The word for sword I understand is the same used for spear in reference to the spear of Goliath. The giant Goliath required a giant spear to do battle. It's as though Goliath was attempting in spirit to take revenge on David by attacking the mother of the Son of David, Mary. (Jesus, of course, being the Son of David) A spear doesn't just make an incision or a laceration in the soul as a sword might. A spear comes close to obliterating a soul, which is what Mary must have felt as she observed the Roman soldier jabbing her son's side with a spear, bringing forth water with his blood. The schemes of many hearts converged to convict Jesus in his innocence and to explain away his resurrection 3 days later. "A giant's spear then shall pierce through your own soul, Mary." But, the sage Simeon could have added, you have 33 years to prepare yourself for it.... and brace yourself against it. And when it eventually came, that was one huge spear less in the arsenal of the enemy.