Committed to the Fight
1 Samuel 14:6
“It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.”
When I think of the books 1st and 2nd Samuel, I think of King Saul, King David, and the prophet Samuel, of course. In re-reading these books I was reminded of a character that showed faith and selfless service in ways the mighty kings David and Saul failed to do. David is known for his defeating Goliath, his constant wins in battle, and his many cries out to the Lord. He is also infamous for committing murder and adultery. King Saul went from a mighty man fulfilling the role the Israelites had been longing for, to a jealous and prideful leader. Jonathan is Saul’s son and David’s best friend. He often got caught in the crossfire between the two of them when Saul confided in Jonathan about his plans to kill David, and Jonathan warned his best friend to flee. It is typical for sons to follow in their father’s footsteps and fall into the same sins and temptations they see their fathers falling into. Jonathan, on the other hand, was a steadfast believer, ready fighter, loving friend, selfless servant, trusting heir to God’s kingdom, and a wonderful example of living with eternal purpose.
In 1 Samuel 14 we see these attributes displayed as he recognizes the lack of confidence and efforts the Israelites have in fighting the Philistines. They are at a point in their military conflict where victory seems impossible, and efforts seem pointless. Jonathan is not looking at the potential to fail or lose, he’s looking at the potential to see God work. He says to his armor bearer and no one else, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6). He cannot be sure what the Lord’s plan is, and there is no certainty the two of them will make it out of this effort alive.
His armor bearer said to Jonathan, “Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” Jonathan was a beautiful example to his armor bearer of someone who has depended on the Lord faithfully. The two of them went into battle and the Lord used them to bring His success. The two of them are examples to everyone who hears of servants who are willing and ready to fight the good fight. The rest of the Isrealites feared entering battle because they knew in their own strength they could not win.
How often do we look at a situation and convince ourselves it’s not worth it? How often do we rely on our own strength and own power to determine an outcome? How often do we fear the future because it’s not in our hands? How often do we avoid serving the Lord because we don’t know how He could possibly use us? I know I believe these lies and give into these temptations daily. Jonathan is a character caught in the crossfire of much larger stories in Samuel. His position did not in any way hinder his confidence that the Lord is the one who brings the victory. Despite going to battle with just one other person, his love for God’s people outweighed the risk of losing his life. What a rich love for the King and the kingdom. Out of this deep love comes a commitment and willingness for Jonathan to literally fight enemies. What would it look like for us to love so deeply it produced a commitment and willingness to fight our sin and the evil around us? As you fight the good fight each day, remember where your strength comes from and remember nothing can hinder the Lord from saving.