Read: 1 Samuel 14:1-15
The Philistines were at war with Israel. They outnumbered the Israelites 5:1 and a monopoly of the iron trade and targeting blacksmiths specifically had them totally out-armed (1 Samuel 13:19-22). The enemy had made inroads well into Judah and was encamped at Mishmash on the top of the Wadi Suweinit. King Saul was camped on the other side of a similar cliff. There King Saul sat under a pomegranate tree STUCK! He was waiting for God to do something, then he would join Him. He was waiting until victory was assured by God’s miraculous intervention, then he would take the risk. He was waiting to have the resources in hand, then he would step out in obedience.
While Saul was stuck, Jonathan was moving forward beyond the familiar. Jonathan knew it didn’t matter how large an army was at their disposal or how much was in the armory. “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving.” He knew his God. He wanted to be with Him, doing what God was doing. This is wonderfully apparent in the Hebrew: ulay Yahweh asah, which is translated “perhaps the Lord will act,” but is actually a wonderful question: ulay: what if; Yahweh: the Lord God Almighty; asah: is working or will work (perform an activity with a specific purpose) = “WHAT IF GOD IS WORKING?” His words and attitude expressed a compelling desire to go beyond the familiar and join God with what He was doing.
Living in partnership with God is not about what I can or cannot do without Him. It is choosing that I won’t do what I am doing without God. It is choosing to involve God in the details of my life. But even more, it is involving myself in what He is doing – seeking it out, joining Him where He is actively at work. There is an incredible experience of grace and glory when we seek to partner with God in what God is doing. But it will always take us beyond the familiar.
Jonathan went over the edge of faith, leaving behind the secure zone of predictability where the enemy had them in check – going nowhere, doing nothing, and into the chasm of commitment where he waited on the edge of obedience willing to go forward or go back, whichever the Lord confirmed. Once he had God’s signal, he climbed up the cliff of confirmation “on his hands and feet.” Not exactly a warrior position, but a humble one God transformed into victory.
The greatest victories always come when we go forward beyond the familiar on our hands and knees, and join God with what He is doing.
Making It Personal
Do you find yourself getting stuck?
Do you identify with any of Saul’s justifications? Which one(s)?
How does this question impact your approach to the challenges you are facing?
What does it mean to you to wait on the edge of obedience?
Through the day challenge:
Watch for specific ways you see God working. At the end of the day take a moment to journal your observation.
Originally posted 6/5/11
