I find it
quite exciting when the Holy Spirit reveals Scripture to me in a new light. One
such enlightenment took place several years ago when I was leading Beth Moore’s
women’s study on David, entitled A Heart Like His. It was a short and often overlooked incident
that took place during the life of David.
However, this story didn’t mention David but his dearest and most loyal
friend, Jonathan.
From I Samuel 14: 1-14 we learned that the Israelites
were once again facing battle with the Philistines. Without informing his
father, King Saul, Jonathan and his armor-bearer decided to fight the
Philistine garrison alone. As they
approached the enemy, Jonathan placed his faith and trust in the LORD. “Come,
let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD
will work for us. For nothing restrains
the LORD from saving by many or by few.” (verse 6) Without hesitation Jonathan’s armor-bearer
followed. His reply was, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with
you, according to your heart.” (verse 7)
Now, that’s what I call loyalty, obedience and trust. As it turned out, Jonathan and his
armor-bearer destroyed the Philistine garrison as the LORD led.
In Beth Moore’s study, she showed through this story
and other Bible references how Jonathan compared to Jesus in the sense that
both were leaders and positioned themselves ahead of their armor-bearers, who
represented today’s Christians. In other
words, our God goes before us through the daily challenges and storms of life.
We, as Christians, should respond with faith and obedience recognizing God’s
presence, like Jonathan and his armor-bearer.
I found this particular story comforting when both my
daughter and my son took overseas mission trips while in college. As my
daughter departed for China and later, when my son left for Egypt one summer
and for India the next, I prayed for God to go before them to prepare the way
as well as to keep them safe. As a result, both experienced unforgettable
encounters and returned home stronger and closer to God, our Father. God had indeed led the way for both of them,
and they had responded with faith, obedience and courage.
Ever since this passage was re-introduced to me, I
have referred to it often in my spiritual walk.
Whenever a new and often unexpected situation presents itself in my
life, I am drawn to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, remembering who leads the
way, now and into the future.
“And the LORD, He is
the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor
forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
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