April 5

BEHIND THE EPHOD
by Ray Prinzing

"And the priest said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom thou slewest in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the Ephod: if thou wilt take that, take it: for there is no other save that here.  And David said, There is none like that, give it me.."                                                                                                   (1 Samuel 21:9)

Oftentimes we discover that the moments of illumination and blessing which we experience are only meant to be "in part," not the absolute fulfillment.  They are preview glimpses of what god shall do for us, and through us, when we have been fully prepared to execute His will in perfection.  Thus we receive of His gifts and graces, and later find that they are seemingly withdrawn and held in reserve for another time.

In a moment of inspiration and true faith David went out to meet the giant Goliath.  "David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.  Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith..."  (1 Samuel 17:50-51).  The sword of a giant, Goliath's sword was a mighty weapon, and a tremendous token of victory that David was able to use Goliath's own sword to behead him.  Yet, we do not find David running around using this sword again and again.  Rather, we discover that the sword fades from view and David returns back to the routine.  Yet much later, when in need of a weapon again, David came to Nob to Ahimelech the priest, and asked for a sword, and found there was waiting the sword of Goliath.

The sword was wrapped in a cloth and placed "Behind the ephod." The Ephod was that priestly apparel in the form of a vest, worn when the priest would receive a special word from the Lord.  Thank God, He has reserved the full operation of the "gifts and graces" we have experienced in part, until we come into an understanding of His perfect will and purpose, and then each ministry shall accomplish that  for which He has apprehended us.  We have seen glimpses of what can be done, now let us hold to the vision while He prepares us for the operation hereof in perfection.