It was a time of war. And with it, came a flood of difficulties and challenges. Some rose to the challenges and exercised great faith. Jonathan’s faith shines brightly when he says, “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving whether by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6). He and his armor-bearer stepped out in faith and were victorious against Israel’s enemies.
His father, King Saul, on the other hand, had already failed his test of faith. Samuel was supposed to come and offer the burnt offering before the Israelites went into battle. When Samuel was late, Saul took it upon himself to perform the offerings that God’s servant Samuel was supposed to do. Saul didn’t have enough patience. Saul was right to want to honor God, but he ended up dishonoring God by failing to recognize that even kings have their limits! He overstepped the boundaries that God had set up. It seems that Saul’s head was sometimes in the right place, but his heart — his inner being wasn’t. God would look for another, “a man after his own heart” to succeed Saul as king.
There were many more conflicts in today’s passages — conflicts within the ranks as well as without — but one instance of solidarity stands out in my mind. Jonathan’s armor bearer told Jonathan, “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” Together, they went into battle and accomplished a lot.
We need to keep our hearts right with God first and foremost. We also need to keep our hearts right with one another. Those of us who believe in Jesus need to work together wholeheartedly in our service to the Lord. We need each other! Let’s stick together in the spiritual battles we face.
Lord, help us to face life’s challenges in faith believing that you will win the battle. Help us to be patient. Help us to be united in our service to you.
Mary Roller
