If there ever was a “man’s man,” it was Jonathan; and if there ever was a man who felt the need of a friend, it was Jonathan. The Philistines’ domination of Israel in that day was so complete that they allowed no blacksmiths in the land for fear they would make swords and spears for the Israelites. In fact, there were only two swords in the entire nation, those of King Saul and his son Jonathan.
All Israel was in a dark funk of depression and despair — all, that is, except Jonathan. Jonathan saw matters differently. He believed that if God willed it, Israel could be saved, even by a few. While others looked down, he looked up and saw a great and glorious God who could deliver him anytime He saw fit. Armed with this conviction and his sword, Jonathan and his armor-bearer attacked a Philistine detachment alone. His sallying words say it all: “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6).
Assured that God would deliver them into his hand, Jonathan launched a horrifying single-handed attack. It was mano a mano, hand-to-hand, man-to-man. Blood ran to the dust and white bone gleamed in the sun as Jonathan sliced and hacked attacker after attacker, until twenty Philistines lay spread over a terrible half-acre. Blood-covered Jonathan was one tough hombre! Jonathan’s heroics put some steel into his people, and a rebellion followed — and some good days for Israel. But with Saul’s subsequent sin and rejection, Israel fell to even darker days than before (chapters 15 — 17), and Jonathan was more alone than ever. Even his great heart was affected, as he too trembled before Goliath. There was no one of like mind, he thought — until he encountered David: He could not believe his ears as David called out to the giant and defeated him ( 1 Samuel 17:45-47).
GLORY BE TO GOD, WHO OFFERS US GREAT FRIENDSHIPS.
References:
The Living Bible
Discipline of a Godly Man( Book by Kent Hughes)
Evangelist Eric Musa:
(My message continuously: If you are not saved: Believe, accept, receive and confess Christ Jesus as your Lord and Saviour and be filled with the Holy Spirit, as it is written; “NOW is the acceptable time, TODAY is the day of SALVATION.- 2 Cor 6:2”. For prayers, devotion, and to support the ministry contact Evangelist on +254722157300 ( Email: EMEA.ericmusa@gmail.com). Remember, God Loves you and I unconditionally, perfectly and always: SHALOM
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