“One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. 2 Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. With him were about six hundred men, 3 among whom was Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was a son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh. No one was aware that Jonathan had left. 4 On each side of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost was a cliff; one was called Bozez and the other Seneh. 5 One cliff stood to the north toward Mikmash, the other to the south toward Geba. 6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” 7 “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” 1 Samuel 14.1-7
“Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” These were the words spoken by Jonathan, son of Saul, as he faced his enemies the Philistines on the field of battle. The Israelites seemed hemmed in on every side, wildly outnumbered and deathly afraid of an enemy so much larger.
But Jonathan was having none of it. The Israelites were already hiding in caves, afraid of even their own shadows! But Jonathan with his Armour bearer decided to do something about it. He trusted the Lord and said to himself, “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf.” The passage follows will reveal just what impact Jonathan had on the Philistines which influenced the battle and mustered the whole army of Israel with courage and strength.
But it was the Lord who made the difference. The faith of Jonathan led him to the Philistine camp, but not until he inquired of the Lord by faith and believed that God would act on his behalf. Jonathan placed his hope in the Lord and then acted upon his belief that God was on his side.
In today’s political, social and moral climate, we too must remember to call upon the name of the Lord. It’s easy for me to read the news and become instantly discouraged by the evils that exist all around us. The influence of secular morality and the move away from Biblical truth in every aspect of our nation is shocking. Evil continues to reign as the value of human life (especially the unborn) and the sanctity of marriage appears to be destroyed.
But our hope is not in what we perceive in the world, on TV, or in the news. Our hope does not rest upon any president or presidential candidate. Our hope rests in the Lord. Just as Jonathan inquired of the Lord by faith, so we must do the same. The response of his armor-bearer should reflect our attitude as well — “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”
Jesus is retuning. Whether he comes back soon or not we do not know. But we do have confidence in his quick and speedy return. We also have hope in a God who is sovereign and who loves his people unconditionally. He knows our sins and even in the midst of godlessness and secular progressive thoughts steering us away from Biblical orthodoxy, God is with us.
Thanks be to God. Hope is not lost or forgotten. For the Lord is near. And if we walk by faith then “perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf.” By his grace and for his glory.
“O Lord God, you are good. I find myself walking with you, upright and true. Saying yes to your loving kindness and running from sins tempting demise. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with your grace and truth. Help us live by the example of people like Jonathan in your Word who rely upon you by faith for deliverance. I praise you Jesus for dying for us upon the cross and rising again that we might have life. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen