1 Samuel Chapter 13 sets the stage for Jonathan’s victory in Chapter 14. Jonathan goes out on a limb in faith and scores a small victory which leads to the Philistine’s ultimate downfall. Have you ever decided to go out on a limb to see if God will show you His favor? Jonathan did here. He says, “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf.” Wow, did you read that? I know I would have all my ducks in a row before going into a battle, no matter how small, when life and limb are on the line.
What kind of man is Jonathan? Is he like Saul? Most assuredly not! Jonathan has the faith and trust that Saul lacks. The victory the Lord grants Jonathan is indeed the victory He really wanted to give Saul, yet Saul makes a major mistake. Samuel tells Saul to wait for 7 days until he returns. Yet on the 7th day Saul grows anxious and fears Samuel will not show, so he offers a burnt offering to the Lord. When Samuel shows up he is not happy and tells Saul his reign will not last many years as God intended, but instead will be shortened. What would Bart Simpson say? Doh!
Jonathan earns a small victory but puts in motion a chaos among the Philistines that Saul discovers. Saul takes advantage and they run into battle in hot pursuit of the Philistines. Saul, desiring his men to focus on the battle until the end, however, makes another mistake by saying no man shall eat any food until the victory is won. Jonathan, not knowing this, eats some honey. Now Jonathan is to be put to death. Oh brother! Have you ever stuck your foot in your mouth, even unaware? Well this was worse.
Saul discovers something is not right, and he casts lots to see who causes the problem. It falls on Jonathan, and Jonathan tells the truth and accepts his fate, if it be so. Fortunately the Israelite men come to Jonathan’s defense and save him from death. Now that is advocacy, mercy, and forgiveness in one quick turn. Could you be so lucky in today’s quick judgement society? What is said about telling people your problems? 14% don’t want to hear about your troubles, and 85% are glad you are in trouble? Thank God for the 1% who are praying for you out of advocacy! What a great story here. Lots to learn and many examples to follow.