[One-Verse Meditation]

1 Samuel 14:6 (NIV) Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”

(Meditaton)

Saul, watching his people scatter, feared the circumstances and abandoned God, reasoning, “I felt compelled.” This is a picture of a dead faith trapped in circumstances—in short, unbelief. In contrast to his father, however, the son Jonathan looked to God instead of people, declaring, “Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” He sees the Lord of power who transcends human limitations. This contrasting walk of father and son compels us to ask once more, “What is true faith?”

At first glance, Jonathan’s words, “Perhaps the LORD will act on our behalf,” might seem like a faith lacking confidence. But considering the context, it is not so at all. Rather, this statement is a profound ‘confession of faith’ that entrusts all outcomes to God’s sovereignty, beyond human desires and plans. It is another expression of the confession made by Daniel’s three friends before the king of Babylon: “but even if he does not.” It is a declaration of faith deeply rooted in the goodness of God toward Israel.

God responds to Jonathan’s faith. He always does. An unimaginable chaos erupts as the Philistine soldiers begin to kill each other with their swords. Then, all the Israelites who had been in hiding emerge and pursue them. In this way, the LORD saved Israel that day, and they were victorious in battle.

This response from God to Jonathan’s faith impresses upon us today the meaning of prayer. A prayer prayed in God, in oneness with Him, seeking for the will of heaven to be done on earth—that is, the prayer the indwelling Holy Spirit Himself prays—is always answered. And that answer manifests as the fruit of life in our lives, for that is God’s unchanging will for us.

(Prayer)

Lord, keep me from falling before the situations and circumstances I face today. Help me to see Your will through Your Word, so that I may seek its fulfillment. Let me thereby live out each and every hour of this day, filled with the life that You give. Amen.
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(Daily Meditation)

1 Samuel 14:6-23