1 Samuel chapter 14 is an interesting comparison between King Saul’s half-hearted faith, and his son Jonathan’s complete confidence in God. Jonathan knows that God’s unfailing hand is with him, while Saul needs confirmation of every halting step. One man walks with freedom in the Spirit, while the other walks in the bondage of rituals. Jonathan is not alone, but has the companionship of his armor-bearer who declares “I am with you heart and soul“. Jonathan’s understanding is simple, “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few“.
Remember the situation; the Philistines were massed in great numbers, poised to destroy Israel. Jonathan boldly declared to his servant, “Let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side“, but he did not tell his father (likely because he knew Saul would not act). With calm assurance that God was with him at every turn, Jonathan explained, “Let them see us… if they say ‘come up to us’ we will climb up because that will be a sign that God has given them into our hands“. Once again we see real faith causes action. There are few details given except, “The Philistines fell before Jonathan and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him“. Next we read, “Then panic struck the whole army and the ground shook. It was panic sent by God“. Saul’s lookouts saw “the army melting away in all directions“. After assembling all the troops it was determined only Jonathan and his armor-bearer were missing. Saul’s reaction reveals his confidence in the symbols of God rather than God Himself. “Bring the Ark of God“. “While he was talking to the priest, the tumult in the Philistine camp increased more and more“. When Saul and his troops finally arrived, “they found the Philistines in total confusion, striking each other with swords“. Even the Hebrews that had hidden in the hills of Ephraim heard the Philistines were on the run and joined in the battle. And we read, “So the Lord rescued Israel that day“.
King Saul’s lack of action is an indication of his spiritual immaturity. When the clear time to join the battle was at hand, he looked to the priests to determine God’s will. It is extremely important for new believers today to recognize that God is perfectly righteous, yet He desires closeness with each of us. The purpose of the Law is to provide a standard for righteous behavior, but ultimately keeping all the law perfectly is impossible. Galatians 3:24 explains, realizing that perfection is impossible forces us to see our need for a Savior. “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” We cannot be made righteous by good deeds alone. We reveal our spiritual immaturity when we trust in any rituals to make us right with God. Romans 3:27 reminds us, “Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe“. Today, it is the legalist that reveals his lack of faith in God’s sovereignty. There is a time to study God’s Word and a time to pray and even a time to serve, “but faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). Get off the sidelines and get into the game. Call on God’s Holy Spirit to direct your steps, and join the battle today.