A Prince Chooses God.
The more we read about the life of King Saul, the more we have learned about God’s power to save. Not by the power of a wicked king or by the valor of a faithful warrior. God alone.
Today’s story opens with Jonathan, Saul’s son. Jonathan was a good man and a faithful servant. The vicious Philistines were still a constant enemy to Israel.
Jonathan and his armor bearer were on a reconnaissance mission. But Saul was unaware. (1 Samuel 14:1-3)
Now the task before them was harrowing at best. Crags and steep rocks surrounded the Philistine garrison. These brave men would have to climb up the treacherous rock face, leaving them at a distinct disadvantage. Jonathan knew that his plan would fail if God were not in it.
But Jonathan knew that if God was in the plan it would prove to Israel that victory would not come based on the size of the army or the weapons in their arsenal. Jonathan knew that God’s grace alone would save the day. (1 Samuel 14:4-10)
“Come on, let’s cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will help us. Nothing can keep the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” His armor-bearer responded, “Do what is in your heart. Go ahead! I’m completely with you.”
1 Samuel 14:6 & 7
So, Jonathan and the armor bearer attacked the arrogant enemy with their faith in God fully on display,
Jonathan climbed up using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer behind him. Jonathan cut them down, and his armor-bearer followed and finished them off. In that first assault Jonathan and his armor-bearer struck down about twenty men in a half-acre field.
1 Samuel 14:13 & 14
The Philistines were terrified because of the Lord. Then, God caused an earthquake and their terror spread throughout Israel. (1 Samuel 14:15)
When King Saul realized what was happening, he wondered who was causing such chaos and defeat among the Philistines. Saul commanded that a census be taken-a roll call of sorts. This was to find out which of his men were involved in the battle.
“They called the roll and saw that Jonathan and his armor-bearer were gone.”
1 Samuel 14:17
Saul then called on the priest, Ahijah, to bring out the Ark of the Covenant to pray and ask God for guidance. But the obedience of Saul was fleeting. He turned away in disobedience. He became distracted by the intensifying panic of the Philistines.
Saul ordered the priest to stop what he was about to do. Essentially, Saul told the priest that he didn’t have time to consult with God.
You know, as believers, we would save untold hours of lost time if only we would seek God’s face. If we would humbly attend to the personal relationship offered to us, we could find God’s will. We would have the true measure of peace, that passes our comprehension. (Philippians 4:7)
Still, despite Saul’s arrogance and sin, it was in God’s plan to save Israel on that day.
So, the Lord saved Israel that day.
1 Samuel 14:23
But that isn’t the end of the story.
We are ending with a cliffhanger. Saul, unbeknownst to us (unless you already know the story) has committed another foolish act. And it could cost him the life of his faithful son, Jonathan.
Join us as we continue to learn more about Saul and God’s faithfulness to His often unfaithful people.
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
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Statement of Faith
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 