11/02/2011 - And the enemy says “Thanks”

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“Then Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.” (I Samuel 14:46)

The verse above tells us about the episode that almost cost the life of Saul’s son, Jonathan, who was a friend of King David. Saul stopped persecuting the Philistines because of that episode and they weren’t defeated. Something similar is happening to many people today: promises have been made recklessly in our households; hasty decisions made everywhere, etc. However, the servants of the Lord must be careful not to abandon the Word and start practicing religious rituals, which in some cases, even seemingly good, have no virtue at all. Only what is taught in the Holy Word has true value.

The Israelites were going through a crisis because the Philistines had exterminated the blacksmiths of Israel so that they wouldn’t fabricate any more weapons. Only Saul and Jonathan had swords then, nobody else had even one sole spear.  Meanwhile, Jonathan felt in his heart a divine feeling of braveness and was willing to face an entire Philistine army; for he was sure deep down in his heart that it didn’t matter how many warriors or how much artillery – or the size of its weapons – the Lord delivers His people. So, Jonathan and his armour bearer went on their knees up to the place where the enemies were and he defeated them. In fact, that was a plan of God: there was even an earthquake and the whole land shook. So, those who were watching all that began to flee, and Saul, whose eyes were wide open, decided to go after them with his people; but he made too daring a vow then because he took an attitude according to the flesh: anyone that would eat anything before dusk would surely die.

Jonathan, in turn, unaware of Saul’s decision, dipped the end of a stick into the honey which was spread out all over the floor and tasted it and that made him gain strength. Then, Jonathan was told about the vow his father had made and he condemned that attitude. But, Saul didn’t get any answer from God when he turned to Him for counselling; so he decided to cast lots and Jonathan was appointed. He confessed what he’d done; yet, the king was determined to say that his son would die – but that didn’t happen because the people told Saul they didn’t agree with him; they said that Jonathan had been powerfully used. So, the king decided to stop persecuting those who oppressed the people of the Lord and went back home.

Now, the Most High didn’t answer Saul because he’d gone too far, not because his son had eaten from that honey (I Samuel 13-14).

Many Christians have made decisions like that one; many have been hasty at making promises, they do things contrary to the Lord and tend to give up the divine plans; when things do not go as they expected, they forget the mission they were given. This kind of attitude gives the enemy the chance to regroup itself and to cause even more harm in the future.

It’s time you turned back to God – according to the Light we get in His Word – and to not allow the devil to be free any longer!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares