1 Samuel 14:1-23 – God Saves through a Faith-filled Champion
Hope is gone. Saul, the king who was to deliver them, is doing nothing. He is outnumbered, out-equipped and outmanoeuvred. Saul gave way to fear when he saw the few fighters he had. Enter Jonathan, his son – verse 1. Jonathan is a man of faith. His statement in verse 6 is incredible. But it is simply based on who he knows God to be. He understands and trusts God’s Word – see Deuteronomy 20:1. He understands the power of God – “nothing can hinder him from saving by many or by few.” He understands the purposes of God – “it may be that the LORD will work with us” – he is not presumptuous in thinking he knows exactly how God’s promises will be fulfilled. The detail of God’s purposes are unknown, but his power is known. As one writer says, “he confesses the power of God, but maintains the freedom of God.”
His plan is bonkers: he and his servant attack a Philistine outpost in plain sight, after climbing a ravine whose rocky crags are called ‘slippery’ and ‘thorny’. He decides to take the Philistines’ maintaining the high ground advantage as a sign to proceed (verse 10). Yet, when they are called up by the smirking Philistines (verse 12) and proceed to attack (verses 13-14) it sets in motion a rout (verses 15-16).
One man’s act of faith in obedience to God’s Word (Deuteronomy 20:1 – “You shall not be afraid of them”). One man’s act of faith in God’s power: “nothing can hinder the LORD”. One man’s act of faith in God’s purposes: “it maybe that the LORD will work for us”. One man’s act of faith routs the enemy of God’s people (verse 23).
Do you see what faith can achieve? In the midst of all the pressures we face from society and in our personal lives, one person’s faith can set the forces of evil to be routed; because it is faith in our God, who is greater than all the forces arrayed against us.
Questions
- Have you ever presumed to know the detail of God’s purposes in a way that turned out to be wrong, though you were convinced you had a promise from God otherwise?
Prayer Points
- Pray for a faith like Jonathan’s, and a commitment to attempt great things for God.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.