1 Samuel 14:1-23 – God Saves through a Faith-filled Champion
We saw yesterday how these verses show us one man’s faith and obedience leading him to take on the enemy of God’s people. He is the champion, fighting to save his people and used by God to rout his enemy. But there’s more to it than Jonathan simply being a model of faith for us to follow. This is a foreshadowing of the Cross and the work of Jesus Christ. And as we look at Jonathan and are amazed by his faith and feats, it should make us even more amazed at Jesus.
It’s on the Cross at Golgotha that we see one man being obedient to God’s word, trusting God to save by many or by few, and climbing a rocky hill to confront the mocking enemies of Sin, Satan, and Death. It’s on Golgotha we see the rout of those enemies by his faith, his courage, and his attack. He is the faith-filled champion who defeats our enemies for us.
We’re not Jonathan in this story; we are the armour bearer. Our champion says to us, “Come, let us assail the forces of Satan and Sin in your hearts and your communities.” Do we say, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul”? Are we with him heart and soul in taking risks in speaking to loved ones about sin and salvation; in refusing to give in to temptation, fear or doubts? He says to us, “Come up after me, for the Lord has given them into our hands.” The tomb is empty and the throne is filled – our foes have been given into our hands. He has already won the victory; we just follow him and fight with him. We don’t need to be a big force: one with Jonathan was enough. One with Jesus is more than enough. Are you with him heart and soul?
Questions
- Where is Jesus saying to you, “Come, let us go over”?
Prayer Points
- Pray that God would use our small efforts, fighting with his champion, to set the remaining enemies of Sin, Satan and Death to be routed.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.