Courage and Partnership
1 Samuel 14:6 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 many or by few.” 7 So his armorbearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.”
This conversation between Jonathan and his armorbearer happened at a desperate time in the history of Israel. King Saul had made the tactical error to attack the Philistines with 3000 men, but they were met by 30,000 Philistines. The outcome was tragic:
When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger (for the people were distressed), then the people hid in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes, and in pits. And some of the Hebrews crossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead." 1 Samuel 13:6 -7
Fear and panic paralyzed the army of Israel as some hid themslves and others ran away. What followed was an act of courage by Jonathan with the support of his unnamed armor bearer. Jonathan took the decision to go up alone against the Philistines, believing that God could work with few as well as with many. As important as Jonathan’s courage was the response of partnership by the armor bearer who said, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.”
You can read about the victorious outcome of this courageous act in 1 Samuel chapter 14, but note how victory and encouragement for others began with a singular act of courage and partnership. Support, love, and commitment are the beginning and sustaining of great works for God!
