I love the short account of Jonathan and his armor-bearer making a significant dent in the Philistine army.
THE SETTING
One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah in the pomegranate cave at Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men, including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone. Within the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side and a rocky crag on the other side. The name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba. (1 Sam 14:1-5)
JONATHAN’S CHALLENGE
Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “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 Sam 14:6)
THE ARMOR-BEARER’S RESPONSE
And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” (1 Sam 14:7)
Could I encourage you to be a dependable, faithful, optimistic armor-bearer for someone this week?
- Elders are at war as they watch over the souls of others. Let an elder know this week that you appreciate his work.
- Widows are at war as they pass through the difficult valley of loneliness. Let a widow know this week that she isn’t forgotten.
- Evangelists are at war as they spread the good news. Let an evangelist know this week that you are encouraged by his efforts.
- Bible class teachers are at war as they work to plant gospel seeds in little hearts. Let a teacher know this week that her work isn’t taken for granted.
- Deacons are at war to balance many responsibilities. Let a deacon know this week that his labor isn’t going unnoticed.
- Teenagers are at war as they go back to school. Let a teen know this week that she is in your prayers.
The world (and even the church) has plenty of pessimists and doubters. Be a dependable, faithful, optimistic armor-bearer for someone this week. “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.”
THE AFTERMATH
Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him. And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land. And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic. (1 Sam 14:13-15)