Sunday, February 21, 2010
Inspirational Faith
(I Samuel 14:1-6)
Saul’s recent failures had greatly demoralized Israel’s fighting men. While some abandoned the army altogether (13:6), others followed hesitantly—with almost no confidence in their impetuous leader (13:7). The enlistment dwindled to around 600 men, and the threat of the Philistines grew with each passing day of Saul’s brooding indecision.
Jonathan, Saul’s honorable son, knew something had to be done. The heroic exploit of which we read in today’s Bible passage was not executed to win Jonathan fame and glory. Rather, Jonathan understood that the Lord’s name was at stake. Doubtless he also held concern for his father’s reputation. And so, without a chance of success from a military perspective, Jonathan planned an attack.
Jonathan’s great faith in the Lord is both instructive and inspirational. Facing dire odds he declared, “…there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few.”
Jonathan’s declaration teaches us much about faith. First, Jonathan exercised faith in trying circumstances. Faith is best demonstrated when the odds are decidedly against us. If God shielded us from all trials, there would be no need for faith.
In addition, Jonathan’s faith resulted in personal boldness. His plan was risky at best and foolhardy at worst. His faith, however, gave him the confidence to proceed with his plan. Timidity is not a mark of faith.
Lastly, his faith inspired his follower to greatness. Rather than deserting, the armor-bearer became a champion—all because of Jonathan’s faith. May our faith in times of trial be an inspiration to others!
