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Faith in God brings victory: "Jonathan saw [a new detachment of Philistine soldiers] as an opportunity to attack and see the Lord work. Saul was hesitating in unbelief ... most of the time he only followed up on what others started ... He was also a control freak. He envied other people's success, he was suspicious of any strategy he didn't originate or at least approve, and he was ruthless when it came to removing people who challenged his leadership or exposed his folly ... It was not Saul and his army who won the battle, but the Lord who used Jonathan and his armor-bearer."
Foolish words bring trouble: "Saul's heart was not right with God and he foolishly forced his army to agree to a vow of fasting. He didn't impose this fast because it was the will of God, but because he wanted his soldiers to think he was a man wholly dedicated to the Lord ... He thought that their fasting plus the presence of the ark would impress the Lord and He would give them victory... No sensible commander would deprive his troops of food and energy while they were fighting the enemy... When we obey God's commands, we walk by faith, but when we obey unnatural human regulations, we only tempt the Lord." Saul ended up casting lots to determine why he wasn't hearing from God, and Jonathan was selected. Saul was ready to kill him for breaking the fast, but his army supported Jonathan, which humiliated Saul.
The third lesson, covered in the next chapter, is disobedience and deception bring judgment.
Father, continue to help me to have faith in You. Thank You for drawing me near to You all those years ago, and for firming up in my heart that I trust You, God. Help me to guard my mouth and not utter foolish words, even when I am feeling disgusted by the foolishness of others. Let me honor You by my speech at all times.
Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford
Gary Ford
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