1 Samuel 14

In the previous chapter we were introduced to the first great disappointment in Saul's record as king recorded for us in the Scriptures. Saul had pursued the way of fear rather than the path of faith. There would be further disappointments concerning Saul even in today's chapter. But first we are blessed with a glorious contrast to Saul in his own son, Jonathan.

Saul had been overwhelmed by the numbers of the Philistines gathering against Israel, so he had panicked, disobeying the Lord's instruction to wait for Samuel to offer a sacrifice prior to going out to battle. Now we read of Jonathan's amazing victory against a host of Philistines with the aid of only one armor-bearer.

Jonathan was a picture of courage, not in himself, but in the Name of the Lord. His words are worth memorizing: “It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.”

If Jonathan was a picture of our heavenly Captain, who won the great fight of faith for us in solo battle against sin, the flesh, and the devil on the cross, what can we say about the man that was carrying his armor? Shouldn't we have his willingness to follow? “Do all that is in your heart. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.”

Jonathan was not rash with his life. He tested the will of the Lord in this matter in a way that God blessed. We should read of this episode not as judges of others, but as people who want to learn how to trust God in situations that seem overwhelming to us. Be amazed at what God did through these two men, and believe that Jesus will use your life to win a great victory for the cause of His love.

Who will panic today? Panic easily spreads. A growing panic leads to defeat. There is forgiveness for panicking, but the Lord has something better for us than fear. He has His Word. He has His Holy Spirit. He has our brothers and sisters throughout the whole earth who believe in His Name. He has the gift of faith.

Jonathan led Israel into a surprisingly large victory on a day when his father was making a strange vow binding the fighting men to eat nothing until evening. Who violated the vow without even knowing it? Jonathan, the man of faith, who had been the hero of the day, had a taste of honey. Would he now have to die? Saul thought so, but the people would not allow it.

Saul led Israel in great victories over many enemies, but the world according to Saul was getting increasingly bizarre. Where would all of this lead? Could Saul be trusted to lead Israel in a good direction?

Jesus came preaching and teaching the kingdom of God. Where does He lead us? His ways may look strange to the world, but they are never false or self-serving. We have come to appreciate the wisdom, power, and love of Jesus. He is utterly trustworthy. The kingdom that He is building is perfect.