BIBLE READING

1 Samuel 14: 1-3

One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armour-bearer, ‘Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.’ But he did not tell his father.

Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree in Migron. With him were about six hundred men, among whom was Ahijah, who was wearing an ephod. He was a son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh. No one was aware that Jonathan had left.

REFLECTION

Yesterday we saw how, in the face of great opposition and enemy attack, Saul doesn't do what God has called him to do - that is, lead the people into battle. Rather he attempts to look spiritual, using prayer as an excuse for disobedience.

However his son Jonathan is tired of sitting around doing nothing. He looks at his armour bearer, which was essentially his young servant since he didn’t actually have any armour at this point, and says: 'Come with me. Let’s just do something.'

Notice it says: '...he didn’t tell his father.' I wonder why.

Maybe because he knew his dad wouldn’t let him go. At this point, Saul’s greatest goal was to hide, keep his head down and avoid danger. The last thing he needs is Jonathan stirring things up. Saul was a spiritual spectator. Instead of playing to win, Saul was playing not to lose.

That was what separated Saul from Jonathan. Saul wanted things to be different – but he wanted to stay where he was.

Jonathan, on the other hand, knew that nothing happens until something happens. If you just sit and do nothing – nothing changes. If you do what you’ve always done – you’ll get what you’ve always got.

The best way to change your circumstances is to take action. Do something. Even if it is risky. Even if it is uncomfortable. Even if no one else is doing it. Even if it might not work.

Craig Groeschel, says this:

“The difference between where you are and where God wants you to be may be the painful decision you refuse to make.”

Isn’t that so true? For many of us, if we were willing to make one change, one decision, take one action – the impact on our lives would be huge. But we don’t do it because it’s too difficult or painful.

While Saul was praying, Jonathan was obeying. While Saul and 600 men were trying to figure out the will of God, Jonathan was busy working out the will of God.

We need to know that when we step out in courage to obey God, not everyone is going to go with us. Not everyone will understand you or support you or approve of what you’re doing. Others will sit back and see what happens before giving their support. Some people just won’t get you. At least not initially.

But God most often works through the few. When he wants something done He rarely calls together a committee. He looks for one or two who will step up and say 'yes'.