During the early days of Saul’s kingship, the Philistines controlled the western border of Israel, and battle lines were drawn at the pass called Michmash. Saul seemed content to sit on the sidelines, but Jonathan wanted to be on the front line. ‘Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side’ (v. 1 NIV 2011 Edition). There was only Jonathan and his armour bearer, so the odds didn’t look good. But when you make a move that is motivated by God’s glory, it moves the heart and hand of God. What it requires is a step of faith. And often it’s the longest, hardest, and scariest step you’ve ever taken.
Usually when Israel’s kings went into battle it was because they had received a word from the Lord assuring their victory. Jonathan had received no such word. He simply said, ‘Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf.’
Most people operate out of the opposite mentality: ‘Perhaps the Lord won’t act on our behalf.’ They let fear dictate their decisions instead of faith. So, they end up with Saul, sitting on the sidelines. And how did the battle turn out for Jonathan and his armour bearer? ‘So the Lord rescued Israel that day’ (v. 23 NIV 1984 Edition). All it took was one daring decision! That’s all it ever takes.
When you move, God will move on your behalf. And if you don’t move, you’ll always wonder ‘what if?’ Our longest regrets are our inaction regrets – the things we would have, could have, or should have done but did not do. So, the word for you today is: trust God, and act!
Bible in a Year: Exodus 29-30, Matthew 21:23-46
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