Saul had been crowned as Israel’s first king, chosen by God and filled with the Holy Spirit to lead and rescue His people. However, after only a year of ruling, Saul began to rely on the flesh rather than the Spirit. He assembled a standing army of 3,000 men, yet when the Philistines attacked, his troops were unprepared and afraid. The Israelites lacked weapons, with only Saul and his son Jonathan possessing swords. While Saul remained passive, Jonathan demonstrated faith and courage, taking a bold step to fight against the Philistines.

Jonathan, accompanied only by his armorbearer, resolved to act. In 1 Samuel 14:1, he said, “Come, let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on the other side.” Jonathan understood that while Israel had entered the Promised Land, they still had to battle the flesh, just as believers today must fight spiritual battles even after coming to Christ. Galatians 5 describes the struggles we face in the flesh, but like Jonathan, we must engage in the fight, trusting in God’s power.

Jonathan’s armorbearer was a picture of true support. He lifted Jonathan up, assisted him in battle, and finished off fallen enemies. He was willing to follow Jonathan’s command, just as Aaron and Hur supported Moses in battle. Jonathan did not tell his father about his plan, recognizing that some people build up while others tear down. Saul, a religious yet faithless man, would have discouraged him. In contrast, Jonathan’s armorbearer encouraged him, responding in 1 Samuel 14:7, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart.” True faith-filled men surround themselves with those who strengthen their faith, not weaken it.

While Jonathan moved in faith, Saul sat under a pomegranate tree in Migron. The pomegranate symbolized fertility, and its root word meant “exalted.” Migron, meaning “steep precipice,” reflected Saul’s prideful position. Pride leads to downfall, whereas humility brings security. Jesus taught that we should seek the place of a servant rather than a position of honor. Servants remain low, so if they fall, the impact is not as great. Despite having 600 men and the high priest with him, Saul remained inactive, while Jonathan, with only his armorbearer, stepped out in faith.

Jonathan knew that victory did not depend on numbers. As 1 Samuel 14:6 states, “For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few.” Numbers can sometimes weaken rather than strengthen faith, as seen with Gideon’s 300 men defeating a vast army. Often, believers hesitate to engage in battle because of fear of failure, hiding in caves instead of stepping out. Yet faith requires action. Just as Jesus said that God rewards what is done in secret, Jonathan’s private step of faith led to a public victory.

Between Jonathan and his destination lay sharp rocks. 1 Samuel 14:4-5 describes Bozez, meaning “shining,” and Seneh, meaning “thorny.” Jonathan had to walk between difficulty and danger, illustrating the spiritual journey where faith and hardship coexist. Psalm 23:4 reminds us that we must choose whether to walk through the valley in fear or faith. Looking downward leads to fear, but looking upward brings faith.

Jonathan was not guaranteed victory but trusted that God could work through him. He said, “It may be that the LORD will work for us.” He was not 100% certain, but he was willing to go. Many never see the glory of God because they refuse to step out. Just as David had to face Goliath and Peter had to step onto the water, faith requires movement. God has used large armies, but He has also used a few faithful men to accomplish great victories.

At Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, we see the challenge of having only a few. While large churches may have vast resources, the effectiveness of ministry is not measured by size but by faith. Jesus changed the world with just twelve disciples. A few Spirit-filled men are mightier than a thousand fearful ones. The only thing that restrains the Lord from working through us is ourselves.

Dwight L. Moody once said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him.” God is seeking a few good men—men filled with faith, yielded to the Holy Spirit, and willing to take action. Like Jonathan, those who trust God will see His power at work in their lives. The question is, will you be among them?

Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, led by Pastor Allen Victor, invites you to take steps of faith and trust in God’s power.

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