“8 Jonathan said, “Come on, then; we will cross over toward them and let them see us. 9 If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands.” 11 So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. “Look!” said the Philistines. “The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in.” 12 The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, “Come up to us and we’ll teach you a lesson.” So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Climb up after me; the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.” 13 Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him. 14 In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre.” 1 Samuel 14.8-14
Jonathan was the son of Saul and the best friend of David. He seemed like an honorable, godly, and respectable man. Unlike his father, Jonathan did not share Saul’s ego or insecurities.
While the men were waiting for battle or some event to unfold, Jonathan and his armor bearer decided to take the fight to the enemy. They sought the Lord’s guidance, laying a request before Him for a sign. If the Philistines responded in a particular way, Jonathan would take it as confirmation of the Lord’s will. When the Philistines said, “Come up to us,” Jonathan knew that the Lord had given them into his hands. Acting on this sign, Jonathan and his armor bearer killed twenty men in an area of about half an acre. This small but significant skirmish had a profound impact on Israel, as you’ll see by reading further in Scripture.
Now, let’s reflect on the idea of signs. Do we use this kind of prayer in our own lives? Before making decisions, do we ask, “Lord, show me a sign and guide me in the right direction,” or, “Reveal the path you have for me and lead me according to your will?” Signs, as I reflect on them, are indicators that we are following God’s will rather than our own selfish desires or sinful habits.
If we live for the Lord and resist the devil’s temptations, God will not only direct our steps but also magnify our impact for His Kingdom. Personally, I seek to live for the Lord and talk to Him throughout my day. As a result, I often look for confirmation that I am moving in the direction He desires for me. This confirmation can come in various ways: encouragement from others, new opportunities that arise, or an internal sense of peace and assurance from the Lord.
Though I don’t always get it right, my goal is to live in accordance with Christ and His will for my life. As we read further into Jonathan’s story, we see him as a godly man, in contrast to Saul. God seemed to bless Jonathan’s actions because his heart was aligned with the Lord.
What about you? Is your heart for Christ? Do you love God? Do you seek to obey Him, love Him, and live for His glory? Make each day a prayer. Look for signs that God is leading, and walk in the path that leads to eternal life.
“O Lord God, you are good. I thank you for your powerful presence in my life. When my love fails, your love remains steadfast. When I am weary, you renew my strength. When I am lost, you direct my way. Come now, Holy Spirit. Fill me with your love and grace. Help me to be all you have called and created me to be, by your grace. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen