Day 101 – 1 Samuel 13-14

Talking Points

• The Israelites are warring against a powerful Philistine army with 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen. This war will last throughout the reign of Saul.
• In the face of an intimidating army and with his own people turning away, Saul takes matters into his own hands. Instead of waiting on Samuel, as instructed, he offers a burnt offering himself. His act of disobedience disqualifies him from his kingdom being established over Israel. Samuel tells Saul that he has acted foolishly and that God “has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and… has appointed him as ruler over His people” (13:14). This man is David.
• In another episode, Saul makes a rash oath, which Jonathan unknowingly breaks. Jonathan is saved by the people. Again, we see a reoccurring lesson: God’s people are not to be thoughtless, hasty, or careless in our decisions. We are to trust God, turn to Him, and operate in His timing. Our God is wise, meticulous, and thoughtful. His people are to be as well. It is a false dichotomy to say we use our hearts and not our minds or vice versa. As believers, the two are perfectly tied together.
• Jonathan acts in great faith. He trusts God and responds accordingly. Where Saul seems to always be off-balance and unsure, Jonathan believes God will act and prevail.

Thoughts

In this account, we read of Jonathan’s act of bravery and obedience, but we see it was not done alone. Also recorded is the story of his faithful armor bearer. When the odds were daunting, the enemy surely too strong, and death probable, the young man said that if Jonathan turned around, he would be there. What a blessing for Jonathan. What an encouragement to him.

In God’s plan and by His grace, He has placed us with other people to walk with. There are days when we need encouragement and the blessing of people who will say, “If you look to me, I will be here!” Praise God for people to walk with!

“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12