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1 Samuel 13:16-14:15
The passage today may seem a little strange and we’re going to have to think a bit. Remember you’re reading a narrative text and you should ask, why is this being told? This narrative must matter, but why?
There is an interesting and sad contrast going on in this passage. On one side, there is Saul, hiding in a cave with 600 men. They’re hiding because the Philistines are a serious military threat. Not only is Saul completely outnumbered, but the Philistines hold the tactical advantages of weapons and control of metallurgical technology.
Don’t miss the little genealogy that is present in verse 14:3. It’s important to note that Saul’s spiritual advisor is Ahijah, a member of the rejected house of Eli. Ahijah’s uncle is Ichabod (remember, his name means Glory Gone.) Saul’s legacy and dynasty as king has left him and we now find him taking spiritual advice from the relative of Ichabod. A fitting place for Saul - his glory is gone and he is counseled by Glory Gone. Saul is completely lost.
Contrast that with Jonathan who reveals his heart for the Lord in his words to his armor bearer in verse 14:6, “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” The Lord honors Jonathan’s leadership and gives him a great victory. Awesome stuff, but it’s colored by a bit of sadness as we see the potential for a great leader and king in Jonathan and yet we know this will not happen because of Saul’s unfaithfulness.
What does all this mean for us today? We touched on this in the last devotional - it’s all about trust. Yesterday, we saw Saul acting in fear and lacking trust in God. Today we see Jonathan approaching a Philistine garrison alone and trusting God to lead him and give the garrison into his hands. Don’t miss what happens at the end of our passage in verse 14.15; the earth quakes, there is a great panic among the raiders—what’s that all about? The Lord. God goes before Jonathan and his armor bearer.
It reminds me of another time when the earth quaked in Acts 4 when the believers pray for boldness to share the good news of the Gospel in the face of persecution (Acts 4.23-31).
It really is a matter of living out our trust in God in all that we do. Take a hard look at your life. Do you trust God completely, or is there some area where you might be holding back? We are masters of compartmentalization - that is creating different spaces with different expectations - a church life, a work life, a family life, various friendship circles, a private life, a play life, and there are many more ways that we compartmentalize our lives. In each compartment, we trust the Lord in varying degrees, possibly including some places where there is no trust given to the Lord at all.
So, I’ll ask again, is there an un-surrendered area in your life? As you think about that, remember, God never wants to be a part of your life He wants ALL of it - every corner, every area, regardless of how dusty and messy it may be.
What do these passages from today and the previous passage tell you about living a life of trust and pursuing God? What do they tell you about what life is like if you don’t trust God’s leading? Which life do you want? To be surrounded by glory gone or to be led by the presence of the Lord in every step.
For me, this is challenging stuff. Especially given my personal journey over the last several years. Nearly every day I’m hit with the question of trusting God. It’s easy to say I trust the Lord but to live that out in all areas - especially when waiting and not knowing what the next steps are - that kind of trust is difficult. But when you trust, when you wait and seek Jesus—the earth shakes.
God bless you and know that you are constantly in my prayers.
Scott
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