Tim Urban: David v. Goliath

Tim at AMTC

Tim on AI

On March 24, 2010, Tim Urban prevailed. Against a veritable army of 100,000 performers who auditioned, Tim won a spot in the ‘Top Ten’ of the most popular show in the world, American Idol.

Tim’s story reminds me of a young man who became Israel’s greatest king. David was a shepherd boy, but also ‘a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech, and a handsome man’ (1 Samuel 16:18). David was one of eight children. Tim is one of ten.

David’s first public claim to fame was a big one; he slew a giant named Goliath and led Israel to conquer the mightiest army on earth: the Philistines. When Goliath first saw David, ‘he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance’ (1 Samuel 17:42). Goliath taunted David on the battlefield, ‘I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field’ (v.44), but David prevailed. God was on his side.

American Idol is a giant, the highest grossing TV series in entertainment history. This enormous media machine reels in hundreds of millions of viewers.

When Tim moved into the Top 24 through a God-incidental disqualification, he became the judge’s favorite point of ridicule and the media’s biggest target of attack. While fiery darts were hurled with increasing ferocity, fans increasingly cheered for the show’s brave and beautiful underdog.

Through the grace of God, Tim rose to the Top 10, securing a spot on the tour with songs yet to be sung. Tim Urban will lead those watching him in the most positive direction – a path toward God.

Tim is a rising star. Why? Because Tim, like David, is a man after God’s own heart. In earthly terms, Tim has ‘the cool factor.’ In heavenly terms, he has the favor of God. Combine the cool factor and the favor of God and you have an unbeatable combination.

We applaud Tim’s bold courage. By fighting his way into the American Idol Top Ten, Tim slew a giant. God always wins.

(Tim is an AMTC Summer 2009 grad.)