How Purposes Shape the Past and Present: David and Jesus

 How Purposes Shape the Past and Present: David and Jesus

The truth is that every generation has its own way of doing things. Sometimes I wonder about the truth behind David's massacre of the Philistines and why it happened. I've come to understand that in the battle of good vs. evil, those who cannot be reformed and choose evil must be eliminated, the prevailing mantra in that era being "kill or be killed."

Centuries later, Jesus, a direct descendant of David, taught about turning the other cheek even after one has been slapped. It seems unwise to make oneself a perpetual victim unless there is a purpose behind it. A boxer might temporarily act as a punching bag in the ring to study his opponent's strategy, but beyond that, it leads to never-ending suffering. Humans, in general, see one as he sees himself, so one who makes himself a punching bag to the whole world will find the world gladly obliging.

The presence of a purpose defines actions. Jesus aimed to save everyone, and this goal justified his acceptance of human frailty, including allowing himself to be targeted. His mantra was "save or be saved."

Although their ways and ideologies were different, both remain relevant today. David's mission was to preserve the good in humanity by eliminating evil and its perpetrators. He wasn't exempt, as his own evil actions and their consequences were eliminated, affecting even his children.

While purposes define everything, the means are crucial. The actions of those who bomb buildings filled with people under the pretense of eliminating non-believers demonstrate why these means must be scrutinized. While Jesus could afford to risk ridicule, proponents of the "kill or be killed" mentality cannot.

Graces

Graces are the qualities that allow people to accomplish tasks effortlessly and skillfully. Saul and David believed in the same ideology; however, David found favor in the sight of God because he completely eviscerated the Philistines, while Saul showed sentiment towards the Gentile nations. They also had graces; Saul and David's anointed status meant they couldn't be killed by any other human being (except perhaps themselves).

Jesus, despite a similar status, did not kill anyone. At most, he drove out those who turned the synagogue into a marketplace. Notably, the world's ideology saw little change from David's time to Jesus's arrival. Conflicts were still resolved through violence, and Jesus had no peers who understood his experiences, as Herod had killed them during his infancy (possibly why he did not marry).

The reality that he didn't kill anyone justifies his significant distinction despite the surrounding misnomers. It's an injustice to have a guilty figure set free while the innocent is pronounced guilty. His silence, however, added credence to his crucifixion.

Beyond a higher purpose, his behavior was markedly different from kings who would favor the sword when provoked. His disciples believe fervently in his return, suggesting that he has yet to reveal his royalty fully. Perhaps his second coming will affirm his status and make him truly distinct.