Boldly Seeking the Lord’s Direction - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

Then Jonathan said, "Very well, let us cross over to these men, and we will show ourselves to them. If they say thus to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,' then we will stand still in our place and not go up to them. But if they say thus, ‘Come up to us,' then we will go up. For the Lord has delivered them into our hand, and this will be a sign to us."
1 Samuel 14:8-10

Boldly Seeking the Lord's Direction
The Philistines had invaded Israel with 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horsemen, and a vast army. Saul had disobeyed God's word and now cowered under a pomegranate tree with only 600 men. Only he and Jonathan had sword and spear, for the Philistines had a monopoly on the manufacture of iron implements. What a scene of despair!

Prince Jonathan, Saul's oldest son, with his armorbearer quietly left their discouraged comrades and headed toward the Philistine host. "It may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few," Jonathan said. His helper agreed. Jonathan suggested that the two of them show themselves to the enemies up on the high rock. Depending on what these would call down to them would determine where they would fight the Philistines. In this way the Lord would show them how and where they should face the foe and fight. Fleeing was not an option. On their hands and knees, they were soon climbing up the steep rock. Once there, the Lord gave them a tremendous victory. The surprised Philistines were confused and thoroughly routed.

When we wish to do the Lord's will, we can count on His help. But it is vital that we not only do His will, but that we seek His clear direction how He wants us to do it. David did this both times when fighting the Philistines in 2 Samuel 5. Paul and his companions were sensitive to the Spirit's guidance in Acts 15. Saul is a sad negative example of this, both in 1 Samuel 13 and 15. Let us seek and follow the Lord's direction in all we do!

Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.