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The Impossible Becomes Reality

Thomas Mayhew
November 9, 2017


The Impossible Becomes Reality

The crisis is real. King Saul and his few, faithful soldiers are totally hopeless in winning an impending battle with the Philistines. With 600 versus thousands upon thousands, it seems that there isn’t much hope.
Only a short time before this grim situation, a prophet named Samuel told king Saul that he would come to offer a sacrifice to God, asking for His blessing on the battle. Saul waited, and waited, for seven days, becoming more and more worried as time progressed as he watched many soldiers leave out of fear. Saul began to despair as he watched his army dwindle down to 600 soldiers. Finally, he decided to offer the sacrifice that he was not authorized for. Just as he had finished, Samuel arrived, and told Saul that a consequence from God was to come upon him. His kingdom would be given to another man better than he.
Now Saul found himself hiding in a cave with his 600 faithful soldiers, all too fearful to emerge lest the Philistines consume them. That is, all except two. Led by the Lord, Jonathan and his armor bearer quietly emerged and escaped from the cave without being noticed. As they climbed up toward the encampment of the Philistines, Jonathan said, “…Behold, we will pass over unto these men, and we will discover ourselves unto them. If they say thus unto us, Tarry until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up unto them. But if they say thus, Come up unto us; then we will go up: for the Lord hath delivered them into our hand: and this shall be a sign unto us.” - 1 Samuel 14:8-10.
When Jonathan and his armor bearer came to where the Philistines could see them, the Philistines said, “Ah, so the Israelites are emerging from their caves!” Then, directing their speech to the two Israelites, they said, “Come up unto us!” Jonathan said with confidence, “The Lord is on our side!” Once Jonathan and his armor bearer got to the top, they immediately started slaying the fleeing Philistines left and right. Then the Lord pitched in for Jonathan and his companion and brought a severe earthquake upon the Philistines, further impeding their progress.
Saul heard the noise of battle, and commanded that roll call be taken. It was then found that Jonathan and his armor bearer were missing. As the noise grew louder, Saul and his soldiers emerged from the cave and ran to the battle, and the Lord wrought a great victory that day.
Let us all remember the courage of Jonathan and his armor bearer (especially in these last days), and put it into practice in daily life, with God’s help. May His name be praised!

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