Apples of Gold

A strange phenomenon has been occurring in our nation over the last several decades. Culture has struggled to understand the difference between men and women being equal versus being the same. We experienced a similar battle raising 3 very loved and very unique daughters. At times it was not possible to do everything the same. Chelsea would consider being sent to her room a reward to be coveted,  Kendyll would be devastated and frightened, while Taylor seemed indifferent and unaffected. From day to day the winner of the “Designated Favorite” title changed in their eyes so we figured we must be doing something right. 

Just like our children are individuals, with their own strengths and weaknesses, men and women are not the same. The assertion that men should be more like women has filtered into our entertainment and educational systems. The devastation and confusion caused by this is only beginning to be revealed.

In Honor of Father’s Day, and men in general, I want to consider some characteristics emulated by David, the man after God’s own heart. David provides a clear picture of a well-rounded and multi-faceted man. The complexity of his characteristics emulate a variety of strengths and weaknesses reflected in the hearts of many of the men in our lives. 

David was a Poet

At least 73 Psalms were written by David. These Psalms allow us to steal a peek into the heart and mind of this man who had such a special relationship with his God. 

Real men don’t cry, has been a value pounded into little boys from a pretty young age. Only sissies cry, show pain or even fear and most little boys dread nothing more than being thought of as a sissy. 

David was a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield and yet he was not afraid to show his emotions. In fact, his honesty with God gives us courage and hope as we identify the same thoughts and concerns within our own hearts and minds. 

–Tears

I am worn out from sobbing, All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears. Psalm 6:6

–Fears

I come to you for Protection, O LORD my God. Save me from my persecutors-rescue me! Psalm 7:1

–Pain

I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. Psalm 38:17-18

You would be hard pressed to call the young man who took down Goliath, (likely at around age 16), while a king and a whole army of warriors were too terrified to step forward and face him, a sissy.  

David was a Warrior

When danger was present David was ready to lay down his harp and pick up a sword and spear. Goliath was only the beginning of a heroic military career. David’s military exploits quickly garnered the jealousy of King Saul as the women sang:

Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands! 1 Samuel 18:7

In order to marry Saul’s daughter Michal, David killed 200 Philistines. Living off the land for about 6 years, he led his loyal troops, evading the forces of Saul who embarked on a relentless manhunt, seeking his demise. 

In times of trouble David was a good man to have around not only because he was a capable soldier, but he knew who was really winning the battles for him. He recognized that God was ultimately responsible for his success on the battlefield. 

David was a Leader

David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in all. 2 Samuel 5:4

It was a long journey from the sheepfold to his coronation but he spent an even longer time serving as the King of Israel. David’s time as a shepherd likely helped prepare him to corral the incorrigible Israelites who spent much of their time wavering in their dedication to God. He provided an example of a true heart, constant in his desire to please God and quick to repent when he found himself in the wrong. 

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Psalm 51:1-3

David wasn’t repenting over a minor indiscretion but rather adultery, which led to murder. Despite the enormity of these sins he understood the mercy and forgiveness of God on a level that many of us crave:

Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:15-17

Leading troops is great but the true value is found in a heart that led him back to God. David gives men permission to be vulnerable with God and others. He openly displays both his troubles and his strength. May men take courage from his example to express the many God-given facets of their personalities, adapting from poet, warrior or leader in order to meet the demands of the current situation, and at all times being men after God’s own heart!