“One Year Bible” Old Testament History Passage
I Samuel 14:1-52
“Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, ‘Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by few or by many.’ So his armor bearer said to him, ‘Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.'” I Samuel 14:6-7 (NKJV)
Jonathan is one of the “unsung heroes” of the Old Testament. In this passage he shows uncommon courage. In an era of confusion and uncertainty, he showed daring and unmatched fortitude.
Jonathan’s father, Saul, had one consistent flaw – he could not make a decision. He waffled and waited. Perhaps in frustration, Jonathan decided that he and his armor bearer had to do SOMETHING. The key words in vs. 6 are “it may be.” Another translation says “perhaps.” Jonathan risk his life on a “perhaps.” Something inside of him said that ACTION was called for. He felt that words were cheap, and God could only use that which moved out in radical reliance. Better to die trying than to live in fear and intimidation.
His armor bearer recognized this. He did not follow based on logical assessment of the situation. He followed on the basis of HEART. Better to go out striving for heart-filfillment than to live with withered dreams.
So I say to you today, “Do all that is in your heart!” Live the adventure! Go for the grand vision. Do not settle for less.