Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily devotional where we are in our Summer Inspiration series. Today, we reflect on the willingness of Jonathan and his armour bearer to obey God against the odds.
To watch this devotional, follow the link below:
‘One day Jonathan son of Saul said to his young armour-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the Philistine outpost on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.’ (1 Samuel 14:1)
Jonathan, Saul’s son, is a lot like David - he has a heart for God. David stood out as willing to fight Goliath against the odds because he knew and trusted in God. likewise, Jonathan, is prepared to go to war against the Philistines whilst everyone else is startled into passivity.
As with Jonathan and his armour bearer, God has battles for you and the church to fight. This is a challenge to me; how often do I ask God to speak and lead me into His works? However, If we were to ask, I wonder how God would inspire us to ‘go over’? Is there a new realm of service, a friendship, a practice, an attitude... that He wants us to move toward?
Jonathan was not waiting for the crowd; he chose to ‘go over’ - to serve God - no matter what others, including his father, were doing. God calls us to follow Him wholeheartedly, no matter if we go alone, or only with an ‘young armour bearer’. Even if our family, our friends, our community are unfaithful, will we remain faithful?
The world is full of people who take initiative in business, Youtube channels, music, fitness, education, and becoming an olympian, but too often, it seems to me, the church does not make the most her gifts, creativity in sacrificial service. Peter challenges us:
‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’ (1 Peter 4:10)
You and I are on this earth to serve God in all things. Yes, all things! and we must pray for wisdom on how to serve Him in all aspects of our lives. God has given us gifts to build the local church and to bring Him glory in the places and relationships in which He has put us. Jonathan saw the enemy (the Philistines) and, in response to God’s leading, went on the attack. Will we allow God to make us into those who seek to extend His Kingdom? or are we content to be critics or dreamers? It’s easy to see the problems, and it’s easy to say what others should be doing. Perhaps you and I need to ‘go over’ and use what God has given us for the glory of God - If not now, when? If not you, who?
In response, it’s vital to humble ourselves and remember that it’s the Holy Spirit’s empowering and leading that will cause us to ‘go over’. As we end perhaps you’d like to reflect on this inspiring text:
‘Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”’ (Isaiah 6:8)
Community group notes and study
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Our message on Sunday reflected on the faith of Jonathan and his young armour bearer. Against the odds, and in contrast to the passivity of his father and others, they are revealed as faithful and willing to serve God against the odds. Together, they ‘go over’ because they believe in the power and promises of God.
Please read 1 Samuel 14:1-14
Did God speak to you about anything specifically from Sunday’s message?
What would you say are the main teaching points of this passage?
14:6 - What truths inspired the faith of Jonathan and his young armour bearer?
14:6-7 - Why is partnership or community vital for this kind of faith? What does Hebrews 10:24 to 25 have to say on this subject?
Are there any specific ways that you need to ‘go over’ - take new steps of faith?
SIV - What does this story teach us about successful mission?
SIV - Do we have any stories of how we have ‘Served, Invested, and inVited’ recently?
SIV - Spend some time together talking and praying about who and how you are seeking to bring your community to Jesus.
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