1 Samuel 14 - 2.25.22

Scripture

1 Samuel 14:6

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.”

Observation – What does it say?

The Israelites were at war with the Philistines. King Saul’s son, Jonathan, decided to give God an opportunity to give them victory. So, he recruits his armor bearer to come with him with the hope, “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf.”

As you continue reading, you discover that God indeed moves on their behalf and grants them victory.

Understanding – What does it mean?

Give God an opportunity to move through you.

When I look at my own life, I tend to air on the side of king Saul – sitting with my weapons waiting for God to initiate something. I overhear someone at a coffee shop talking about their struggles or see someone in front of me in line at the grocery store with crutches. I would love for God to reveal himself to these people at their point of need. I know I have the answer and everything could change with a simple prayer. But, instead of initiating anything I ask God to cause some interaction to take place and wait. And if you’ve been there, you know the interaction rarely happens on it’s own.

Who knows what God would do if we had the boldness to just step out and offer to pray for someone, invite someone to church, share our God-story with someone, etc.

Jonathan’s story has gone down in history and we’re reading and discussing it today, all because he decided to give God an opportunity to move. “Perhaps the Lord will act.”

Life Application

Give God an opportunity to move through me TODAY.

Rather than waiting to hear God speak in an audible voice and tell me to reach out to someone, just reach out! He’s already clearly commanded us to make disciples. He’s clearly said that these signs will accompany those who believe: In Jesus’ name we will drive out demons, speak in new tongues, lay our hands on the sick, and they will be made well. (Mark 16:17-18) He has asked us to seek and save the lost, to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. We’re commanded to be prepared to preach the gospel in season and out.

We are often waiting for God to give us a command that he’s already given! We’re waiting for him to give us some vision or dream or prophetic word to guide us when he’s already clearly given us direction in his word.

God, give me the boldness of Jonathan to step out and give you an opportunity to move through me today. I want to be used by you! Please help me to ditch my comfort zone so I can experience your love and power and truth flow out of me to change the world around me. Amen.

-Levi Thompson