Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving

 

I read 1 Samuel 14 today. Such a cool story. 

Back story: Jonathan and his father King Saul are the only people in the arm with swords (can you imagine!?) because the Philistines had a monopoly on blacksmithing. That’s not a good strategy for winning a war.

Problem: Jonathan wants to attack an entire Philistine outpost on a cliff, at night, with only his armor-bearer. They have one sword, and they have to scale a cliff to get to the enemy.

Jonathan is tired of losing. He’s tired of his father disobeying God’s commands. He wants justice. He wants righteousness. He knows they should be ridding their land of the Philistine’s godless influence. 

And he’s not afraid of the cost.

What Jonathan says: “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” (1 Sam. 14:6)

What happens: They go–just the two of them–and call up to the enemy to let them know they’re coming. Seriously. Go read it.

Then they kill the first 20 men they meet. The outpost erupts in chaos. The ground shakes. Samuel says, “It was a panic sent by God.” (1 Sam. 14:15)

King Saul’s lookouts notice the chaos and send troops to fight. They find the Philistines killing one another in confusion.

The enemy slaughters itself because one man said NOTHING CAN HINDER THE LORD.

Lord, God,

You are almighty.

I worship you.

Nothing can hinder your plans to save.

I want to always be a part of your plan.

Send panic through your enemies.

Save the ones who turn to you.

Shut down the ones who reject you.

Even when circumstances seem impossible,

I seek to trust you.

I want to scale the cliffs in my life

because I believe that you will act on my behalf.

Lord, help my unbelief!

In Jesus’ name, Amen.