“And what more can I say? Time is too short for me to tell about…David…who by faith…became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.” Hebrews 11:32-34 (excerpts) (NIV)
David has a rightful place in the Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith, alongside the highly regarded ancients Abraham, Noah, and Moses. Each of these men, and the others listed in the passage, were commended for putting action to their beliefs and, thereby, living with God-pleasing faith.
David’s examples are many, but the two on which we will focus have the same theme – selfless service. The first faith story is well known. During a battle stalemate, one rather large man caused Israel’s army to quake in fear. Young shepherd David was sent by his father to check on his older brothers. While at the battlefield, David sees Goliath and hears the giant’s daily challenge, prompting him to declare…
“Don’t let anyone be discouraged by him; your servant will go and fight this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:32.
After refusing the offer to wear King Saul’s battle armor, this teen-aged boy with no protective garments boldly approached the immense, experienced, and well-equipped Philistine warrior. Defying odds of certain death, David prevailed, accurately declaring in advance “Today, the Lord will hand you over to me.” (1 Samuel 17:46). Putting his life on the line to defend God’s honor, David served selflessly.
Years later, this aspect of David’s faith would be exhibited again, in less spectacular fashion. King Saul grew jealous of David, twice tried to personally kill David with the spear, and hunted David down to capture and execute this faithful (and successful) servant of the King. David had previously been anointed by Samuel to be King Saul’s successor on the throne (1 Samuel 16:11-13), yet refused to accelerate the timing of that royal transition. Twice, David had the opportunity to strike King Saul down in what we lawyers would easily classify as self-defense (see 1 Samuel 24:1-4 and 26:7-8, 12). Twice, David forsook such opportunities. “I will never lift my hand against the Lord’s anointed.” (1 Samuel 24:6 and 26:11). By faith, David chose to selflessly serve God’s anointed first King of Israel, despite that king’s clear departure from God’s favor. David would wait for God to effectuate the transition.
The legal profession is, at its essence, one of service – to clients, to the public, to country, to justice. No doubt such service can be a vehicle for self-advancement. But, we Christian lawyers should not pursue gain, reward, or accolade. If God has indeed called us to this noble profession, we should work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24), providing ethical and high-quality legal service to those whom God has entrusted to us. Our “compensation” should be primarily left to the Lord’s discretion. Our charge is to serve, selflessly and faithfully.
