WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.179 Well, good evening. 00:00:07.879 --> 00:00:10.439 Thank you all for coming out on a cold night, 00:00:10.540 --> 00:00:11.839 and on Oscar night, no less. 00:00:12.300 --> 00:00:13.320 I just remembered. 00:00:14.640 --> 00:00:18.839 I'm sorry you'll be missing the joyful tears of the winners 00:00:18.839 --> 00:00:21.120 and the pained smiles of the losers 00:00:21.120 --> 00:00:23.039 as they pretend to be happy for the winners 00:00:23.039 --> 00:00:25.060 but really aren't inside. 00:00:25.760 --> 00:00:27.500 Or the red carpet interviews. 00:00:27.500 --> 00:00:30.640 In case you're wondering, I'm wearing Old Navy tonight. 00:00:31.600 --> 00:00:33.320 At least I think. I'm not sure. 00:00:34.799 --> 00:00:37.340 It's actually really fitting because our text tonight 00:00:37.340 --> 00:00:41.500 has all the ingredients for a great Hollywood blockbuster. 00:00:42.579 --> 00:00:44.159 Hopeless circumstances, 00:00:45.780 --> 00:00:47.620 individual acts of great courage, 00:00:49.019 --> 00:00:51.379 the loyalty of a faithful friend, 00:00:52.700 --> 00:00:53.659 stirring action, 00:00:54.659 --> 00:00:57.359 victory snatched from the jaws of defeat, 00:00:57.500 --> 00:01:02.340 this is a thrilling story of combat. 00:01:03.159 --> 00:01:04.400 1 Samuel 14. 00:01:04.579 --> 00:01:07.060 If you haven't already, turn in your Bibles to 1 Samuel 14. 00:01:07.460 --> 00:01:09.599 If you're using one of the pew Bibles that's provided for you, 00:01:09.640 --> 00:01:11.719 that's on page 235. 00:01:11.780 --> 00:01:12.680 If you're new to the Bible, 00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:15.140 the big numbers on the page are the chapter numbers. 00:01:15.240 --> 00:01:16.359 The little ones are the verse numbers. 00:01:17.159 --> 00:01:19.640 We'll be looking at the first part of the chapter tonight, 00:01:20.159 --> 00:01:22.400 1 Samuel 14, 1 through 23. 00:01:22.400 --> 00:01:24.100 Listen as I read. 00:01:24.359 --> 00:01:27.680 1 Samuel 14, 1 through 23. 00:01:27.680 --> 00:01:33.020 One day, Jonathan, the son of Saul, 00:01:33.140 --> 00:01:35.020 said to the young man who carried his armor, 00:01:35.400 --> 00:01:39.740 Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side. 00:01:40.140 --> 00:01:41.580 But he did not tell his father. 00:01:42.620 --> 00:01:44.660 Saul was staying on the outskirts of Gibeah 00:01:44.660 --> 00:01:46.240 in the pomegranate cave at Megron. 00:01:46.239 --> 00:01:48.479 The people who were with him were about 600 men, 00:01:48.599 --> 00:01:50.640 including Ahijah, the son of Ahatab, 00:01:50.759 --> 00:01:52.500 Ichabod's brother, son of Phinehas, 00:01:52.599 --> 00:01:54.519 son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh, 00:01:54.719 --> 00:01:55.439 wearing an ephod. 00:01:55.879 --> 00:01:58.379 And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone. 00:01:59.780 --> 00:02:01.579 Within the passes by which Jonathan 00:02:01.579 --> 00:02:03.679 sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, 00:02:04.199 --> 00:02:06.119 there was a rocky crag on the one side 00:02:06.119 --> 00:02:08.259 and a rocky crag on the other side. 00:02:08.799 --> 00:02:10.219 The name of the one was Bozes, 00:02:10.459 --> 00:02:11.759 and the name of the other was Senna. 00:02:12.439 --> 00:02:14.780 The one crag grows on the north in front of Michmash, 00:02:14.780 --> 00:02:16.840 and the other on the south in front of Gibeah. 00:02:19.199 --> 00:02:21.240 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, 00:02:21.379 --> 00:02:23.920 Come, let us go over to the garrison 00:02:23.920 --> 00:02:25.240 of these uncircumcised. 00:02:25.620 --> 00:02:27.840 It may be that the Lord will work for us, 00:02:28.139 --> 00:02:30.520 for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving 00:02:30.520 --> 00:02:32.379 by many or by few. 00:02:33.400 --> 00:02:34.900 And his armor-bearer said to him, 00:02:35.180 --> 00:02:36.520 Do all that is in your heart. 00:02:36.620 --> 00:02:37.360 Do as you wish. 00:02:37.479 --> 00:02:40.139 Behold, I am with you, heart and soul. 00:02:41.159 --> 00:02:42.159 Then Jonathan said, 00:02:42.240 --> 00:02:43.699 Behold, we will cross over to the men, 00:02:43.699 --> 00:02:45.359 and we will show ourselves to them. 00:02:45.419 --> 00:02:46.179 If they say to us, 00:02:46.339 --> 00:02:48.199 Wait until we come to you, 00:02:48.319 --> 00:02:50.119 then we will stand still in our place, 00:02:50.159 --> 00:02:51.479 and we will not go up to them. 00:02:51.759 --> 00:02:52.459 But if they say, 00:02:52.539 --> 00:02:53.199 Come up to us, 00:02:53.239 --> 00:02:54.000 then we will go up, 00:02:54.060 --> 00:02:56.019 for the Lord has given them into our hand, 00:02:56.399 --> 00:02:58.099 and this shall be the sign for us. 00:02:58.939 --> 00:03:00.459 So both of them showed themselves 00:03:00.459 --> 00:03:01.919 to the garrison of the Philistines, 00:03:01.979 --> 00:03:02.699 and the Philistines said, 00:03:02.780 --> 00:03:04.939 Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes 00:03:04.939 --> 00:03:06.379 where they have hidden themselves. 00:03:07.219 --> 00:03:08.319 And the men of the garrison 00:03:08.319 --> 00:03:10.079 hailed Jonathan and his armor-bearer 00:03:10.079 --> 00:03:10.339 and said, 00:03:10.419 --> 00:03:11.199 Come up to us, 00:03:11.199 --> 00:03:12.319 and we will show you a thing. 00:03:12.319 --> 00:03:15.000 And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, 00:03:15.159 --> 00:03:16.079 Come up after me, 00:03:16.459 --> 00:03:17.639 for the Lord has given them 00:03:17.639 --> 00:03:18.739 into the hand of Israel. 00:03:19.639 --> 00:03:21.859 Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet 00:03:21.859 --> 00:03:23.239 and his armor-bearer after him. 00:03:24.099 --> 00:03:25.739 And they fell before Jonathan, 00:03:25.959 --> 00:03:27.859 and his armor-bearer killed them after him. 00:03:28.219 --> 00:03:29.379 And that first strike, 00:03:29.439 --> 00:03:31.419 which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, 00:03:31.819 --> 00:03:32.780 killed about twenty men 00:03:32.780 --> 00:03:33.459 within, as it were, 00:03:33.560 --> 00:03:34.620 a half furrow's length 00:03:34.620 --> 00:03:35.539 in an acre of land. 00:03:36.019 --> 00:03:37.419 And there was a panic in the camp, 00:03:37.759 --> 00:03:38.319 in the field, 00:03:38.379 --> 00:03:39.319 and among all the people. 00:03:39.319 --> 00:03:41.659 The garrison and even the raiders trembled. 00:03:41.759 --> 00:03:42.419 The earth quaked, 00:03:42.519 --> 00:03:44.159 and it became a very great panic. 00:03:45.459 --> 00:03:47.599 And the watchmen of Saul and Gibeah of Benjamin 00:03:47.599 --> 00:03:48.359 looked, and behold, 00:03:48.579 --> 00:03:50.819 the multitude was dispersing here and there. 00:03:51.379 --> 00:03:53.199 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, 00:03:53.400 --> 00:03:55.120 Count and see who has gone from us. 00:03:55.699 --> 00:03:56.620 And when they had counted, 00:03:56.740 --> 00:03:57.019 behold, 00:03:57.180 --> 00:03:59.060 Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 00:03:59.620 --> 00:04:00.719 So Saul said to Ahijah, 00:04:00.919 --> 00:04:01.979 Bring the ark of God here, 00:04:02.379 --> 00:04:03.959 for the ark of God went at that time 00:04:03.959 --> 00:04:04.840 with the people of Israel. 00:04:04.840 --> 00:04:07.159 Now while Saul was talking to the priests, 00:04:07.280 --> 00:04:08.759 the tumult in the camp of the Philistines 00:04:08.759 --> 00:04:09.819 increased more and more. 00:04:10.240 --> 00:04:11.259 So Saul said to the priests, 00:04:11.400 --> 00:04:12.240 Withdraw your hand. 00:04:12.860 --> 00:04:14.680 Then Saul and all the people who were with him 00:04:14.680 --> 00:04:16.120 rallied and went into the battle. 00:04:16.420 --> 00:04:16.879 And behold, 00:04:17.019 --> 00:04:19.079 every Philistine's sword was against his fellow, 00:04:19.180 --> 00:04:20.660 and there was very great confusion. 00:04:21.480 --> 00:04:22.139 Now the Hebrews, 00:04:22.340 --> 00:04:24.340 who had been with the Philistines before that time, 00:04:24.579 --> 00:04:26.540 and who had gone up with them into the camp, 00:04:26.639 --> 00:04:28.780 even they also turned to be with the Israelites 00:04:28.780 --> 00:04:30.120 who were with Saul and Jonathan. 00:04:30.780 --> 00:04:31.220 Likewise, 00:04:31.680 --> 00:04:32.800 when all the men of Israel 00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:34.840 who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim 00:04:34.840 --> 00:04:36.300 heard that the Philistines were fleeing, 00:04:36.699 --> 00:04:38.720 they too followed hard after them in the battle. 00:04:39.259 --> 00:04:41.199 So the Lord saved Israel that day, 00:04:41.420 --> 00:04:43.840 and the battle passed beyond Beth-Avon. 00:04:47.840 --> 00:04:49.319 Well, it's an exciting story. 00:04:50.980 --> 00:04:52.840 If you've been following along in 1 Samuel, 00:04:53.040 --> 00:04:54.319 back in 1 Samuel 13, 00:04:54.519 --> 00:04:56.000 we've learned that the nation of Israel 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:58.240 is once again in very bad shape. 00:04:58.840 --> 00:05:00.280 They have a new king, Saul, 00:05:00.279 --> 00:05:03.459 but he's picked a fight with Philistine soldiers, 00:05:03.679 --> 00:05:04.859 and Israel has been invaded. 00:05:06.219 --> 00:05:08.619 And the Philistines have the Israelites outnumbered. 00:05:08.679 --> 00:05:09.859 Look back at 13.5. 00:05:10.179 --> 00:05:11.699 The Philistines invade with soldiers 00:05:11.699 --> 00:05:13.899 as numerous as the sand on the seashore. 00:05:14.879 --> 00:05:17.019 Saul begins with just a few thousand soldiers, 00:05:17.519 --> 00:05:19.479 but by the time we get to 1 Samuel 14, 00:05:19.639 --> 00:05:21.799 he only has 600 still with him. 00:05:22.219 --> 00:05:23.259 People are fleeing. 00:05:23.599 --> 00:05:24.719 They're abandoning him. 00:05:26.219 --> 00:05:27.419 To make matters worse, 00:05:27.420 --> 00:05:30.060 the Israelites are also outmatched technologically. 00:05:30.780 --> 00:05:33.000 The Philistine army had chariots. 00:05:33.439 --> 00:05:35.060 These are the tanks of the ancient world. 00:05:35.580 --> 00:05:37.699 The Israelites don't even have swords and spears 00:05:37.699 --> 00:05:38.740 because the Philistines 00:05:38.740 --> 00:05:41.240 have not allowed them to have blacksmiths. 00:05:42.240 --> 00:05:43.800 So the Israelites are going to war 00:05:43.800 --> 00:05:45.560 against the sophisticated Philistines 00:05:45.560 --> 00:05:47.439 with nothing but bows and arrows 00:05:47.439 --> 00:05:48.960 and farm tools for weapons. 00:05:49.800 --> 00:05:50.920 And so it's not surprising 00:05:50.920 --> 00:05:52.180 that they're demoralized. 00:05:52.560 --> 00:05:53.620 They're running away, 00:05:53.819 --> 00:05:54.939 or they're hiding in the hills, 00:05:54.939 --> 00:05:57.980 outnumbered, fighting with inferior weapons, 00:05:58.360 --> 00:05:59.100 low morale. 00:05:59.939 --> 00:06:02.420 This is the recipe for a military disaster. 00:06:03.560 --> 00:06:04.879 And so this is what we come to 00:06:04.879 --> 00:06:07.339 at the beginning of 1 Samuel 14, 00:06:07.519 --> 00:06:09.120 a hopeless situation. 00:06:10.379 --> 00:06:12.100 And then Jonathan, the king's son, 00:06:12.199 --> 00:06:15.100 comes up with what seems like a crazy plan. 00:06:15.920 --> 00:06:17.360 He and his armor bearer, 00:06:17.459 --> 00:06:19.920 the young man who helps him carry his things, 00:06:20.319 --> 00:06:22.019 decide that they're going to attack 00:06:22.019 --> 00:06:24.019 the Philistines by themselves. 00:06:24.539 --> 00:06:26.099 And only one of them has a sword. 00:06:26.759 --> 00:06:27.719 Jonathan has a sword, 00:06:27.819 --> 00:06:28.959 but his armor bearer doesn't. 00:06:30.279 --> 00:06:31.839 Now Jonathan isn't entirely crazy. 00:06:31.979 --> 00:06:33.659 He has the sense not to tell his father 00:06:33.659 --> 00:06:34.439 about this plan. 00:06:35.019 --> 00:06:37.560 He's operating under the opinion 00:06:37.560 --> 00:06:39.180 that it's better to ask forgiveness 00:06:39.180 --> 00:06:39.939 than permission. 00:06:40.759 --> 00:06:41.939 No father would have allowed 00:06:41.939 --> 00:06:43.599 any plan like this to go ahead, 00:06:44.359 --> 00:06:45.219 but Jonathan does it. 00:06:46.560 --> 00:06:48.120 Now we're going to delve a little bit deeper 00:06:48.120 --> 00:06:48.779 into the story 00:06:48.779 --> 00:06:51.019 and try to see what it tells us today, 00:06:51.019 --> 00:06:51.959 but I want to first pause 00:06:51.959 --> 00:06:53.939 and ask all of us a question. 00:06:55.279 --> 00:06:56.560 If you think about it, 00:06:57.219 --> 00:06:59.039 thousands of battles and wars 00:06:59.039 --> 00:07:01.459 have been fought over the centuries. 00:07:02.699 --> 00:07:04.659 Now many of them had much more significant 00:07:04.659 --> 00:07:06.500 political consequences than this one. 00:07:06.859 --> 00:07:08.439 They involved a lot more combatants. 00:07:08.620 --> 00:07:10.500 This is just dozens or hundreds. 00:07:11.819 --> 00:07:13.299 But the story of this battle 00:07:13.299 --> 00:07:15.159 was written down in the Bible. 00:07:15.779 --> 00:07:17.299 It's passed along to us 00:07:17.300 --> 00:07:18.379 and we find ourselves 00:07:18.379 --> 00:07:20.000 on a Sunday evening 00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:21.680 in New Haven, Connecticut 00:07:21.680 --> 00:07:22.819 talking about it. 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:24.560 Why? 00:07:26.079 --> 00:07:27.460 Why this story? 00:07:30.240 --> 00:07:31.620 Is this just an accident? 00:07:31.840 --> 00:07:33.340 Some historical coincidence? 00:07:35.340 --> 00:07:37.379 Well, I'll tell you why I think it is. 00:07:37.379 --> 00:07:41.120 Because unlike many other battles and wars, 00:07:41.339 --> 00:07:42.500 bigger ones that have been fought, 00:07:43.120 --> 00:07:44.360 even around the same time, 00:07:45.360 --> 00:07:48.219 the chief actors in this drama 00:07:48.219 --> 00:07:50.800 are not people. 00:07:51.480 --> 00:07:53.319 It's God who's really on display 00:07:53.319 --> 00:07:54.420 in 1 Samuel 14. 00:07:54.639 --> 00:07:55.800 He's the chief actor, 00:07:55.879 --> 00:07:57.659 even though he never speaks a word 00:07:57.659 --> 00:07:59.480 or draws a sword. 00:07:59.819 --> 00:08:01.519 That's what this story is about. 00:08:02.219 --> 00:08:03.279 Tonight we're going to be looking at 00:08:03.279 --> 00:08:04.079 Jonathan's faith 00:08:04.079 --> 00:08:05.079 and then in his action, 00:08:05.300 --> 00:08:06.779 but we're not really interested 00:08:06.779 --> 00:08:07.379 in Jonathan. 00:08:08.199 --> 00:08:09.659 We want to know about God. 00:08:10.339 --> 00:08:11.300 And once we learn 00:08:11.300 --> 00:08:12.939 who God is from this text, 00:08:13.359 --> 00:08:14.120 then we can learn 00:08:14.120 --> 00:08:15.279 what we're supposed to do 00:08:15.279 --> 00:08:16.680 in response to it. 00:08:17.240 --> 00:08:18.800 So we'll start with Jonathan's faith, 00:08:19.099 --> 00:08:20.039 we'll look at his action, 00:08:20.139 --> 00:08:20.919 and then we'll try to see 00:08:20.919 --> 00:08:21.860 what we're to do 00:08:21.860 --> 00:08:24.019 in response to the God we encounter 00:08:24.019 --> 00:08:26.240 in the pages of 1 Samuel. 00:08:27.599 --> 00:08:29.319 Well, what is Jonathan's faith? 00:08:29.939 --> 00:08:31.199 What does he believe? 00:08:31.759 --> 00:08:32.919 We'll look back at what he says 00:08:32.919 --> 00:08:33.600 in verse 6. 00:08:34.080 --> 00:08:37.120 Jonathan said to his young armor bearer, 00:08:37.160 --> 00:08:39.480 Come, let's go over to the outpost 00:08:39.480 --> 00:08:41.259 of these uncircumcised fellows. 00:08:42.340 --> 00:08:44.240 Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. 00:08:45.820 --> 00:08:48.120 Nothing can hinder the Lord 00:08:48.120 --> 00:08:51.200 from saving by many or by few. 00:08:52.759 --> 00:08:55.020 Now these Philistines were uncircumcised, 00:08:55.120 --> 00:08:56.879 meaning they're not among God's people. 00:08:57.000 --> 00:08:58.960 They're not partakers in God's covenant. 00:08:59.500 --> 00:09:01.300 In fact, they're defying God 00:09:01.300 --> 00:09:02.960 and they're oppressing His people. 00:09:02.960 --> 00:09:05.460 This cannot be tolerated. 00:09:06.639 --> 00:09:09.300 And Jonathan knew that nothing could stop the Lord 00:09:09.300 --> 00:09:10.340 from saving His people. 00:09:10.780 --> 00:09:12.300 Nothing could prevent him 00:09:12.300 --> 00:09:14.639 from rescuing the ones he loved. 00:09:15.139 --> 00:09:16.680 He knew that the power of God 00:09:16.680 --> 00:09:18.820 was greater than any military force 00:09:18.820 --> 00:09:21.360 that could be arrayed then or now. 00:09:21.740 --> 00:09:23.740 And God doesn't need chariots or large armies. 00:09:24.220 --> 00:09:25.519 He doesn't need many. 00:09:25.519 --> 00:09:27.579 He can do it by few or none. 00:09:28.100 --> 00:09:29.699 He doesn't even need swords. 00:09:30.279 --> 00:09:33.379 When God decides to save, He saves. 00:09:34.159 --> 00:09:36.259 And that's the confidence, the faith, 00:09:36.860 --> 00:09:38.740 that propels Jonathan forward. 00:09:39.419 --> 00:09:41.419 That's the conviction that gives him 00:09:41.419 --> 00:09:44.000 this outstanding, extraordinary, 00:09:44.240 --> 00:09:46.059 almost foolhardy courage. 00:09:46.059 --> 00:09:49.359 Well, how did Jonathan know this? 00:09:50.959 --> 00:09:53.359 It certainly wasn't obvious from the circumstances. 00:09:53.359 --> 00:09:55.879 You couldn't read the signs of the times 00:09:55.879 --> 00:09:58.399 and think that there was a great victory in the offing. 00:09:58.559 --> 00:09:59.379 No, the opposite. 00:10:00.659 --> 00:10:01.899 I think he knew his history. 00:10:02.619 --> 00:10:05.359 He knew the history recorded in our Bible, 00:10:05.739 --> 00:10:08.299 which is the record of God's saving work. 00:10:08.299 --> 00:10:10.399 And it drives home this same message 00:10:10.399 --> 00:10:12.319 again and again and again. 00:10:12.500 --> 00:10:14.959 God is powerful to save. 00:10:16.159 --> 00:10:17.919 I think Jonathan knew what God had done 00:10:17.919 --> 00:10:19.879 in bringing the people of Israel out of Egypt. 00:10:20.639 --> 00:10:22.039 A slave people, 00:10:23.179 --> 00:10:25.079 enslaved in the nation, 00:10:25.359 --> 00:10:27.479 in the superpower of its age. 00:10:28.639 --> 00:10:31.319 Far more powerful than even the Philistines. 00:10:32.399 --> 00:10:33.879 But God had saved them. 00:10:34.599 --> 00:10:36.559 And even if they had managed to escape Egypt, 00:10:36.559 --> 00:10:38.639 the road to the promised land 00:10:38.639 --> 00:10:39.699 was long and dangerous, 00:10:39.839 --> 00:10:41.419 but God preserved them. 00:10:42.939 --> 00:10:43.959 Then they didn't have a plan 00:10:43.959 --> 00:10:45.819 for fighting the Canaanites once they got there, 00:10:45.959 --> 00:10:48.979 but God gave them victory. 00:10:49.699 --> 00:10:51.419 These were not obstacles to God. 00:10:53.079 --> 00:10:56.739 Jonathan realized that God can save by many or by few. 00:10:57.599 --> 00:10:58.839 God didn't need thousands 00:10:58.839 --> 00:11:00.579 or hundreds of thousands of soldiers. 00:11:01.279 --> 00:11:02.959 He didn't really need much at all. 00:11:02.960 --> 00:11:06.639 During the first part of the Civil War, 00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:08.080 the commander of the Union Army 00:11:08.080 --> 00:11:10.340 was a general named George McClellan. 00:11:10.940 --> 00:11:12.680 Now, George McClellan was really popular 00:11:12.680 --> 00:11:13.420 with his soldiers, 00:11:13.960 --> 00:11:14.820 but he was tentative 00:11:14.820 --> 00:11:15.800 and he was always afraid 00:11:15.800 --> 00:11:17.820 to engage with the Confederate troops. 00:11:18.220 --> 00:11:20.580 He never thought he had quite enough men. 00:11:21.259 --> 00:11:21.960 And that's how he felt. 00:11:22.040 --> 00:11:23.220 And so he was always sending messages 00:11:23.220 --> 00:11:24.960 back to Washington, asking for more. 00:11:25.700 --> 00:11:27.120 Finally, President Lincoln said, 00:11:27.240 --> 00:11:29.259 if General McClellan does not want to use the army, 00:11:29.259 --> 00:11:31.419 I would like to borrow it for a time. 00:11:32.419 --> 00:11:34.879 And so he relieved General McClellan of his command 00:11:34.879 --> 00:11:36.439 and found someone who would do the work 00:11:36.439 --> 00:11:37.539 that he wanted done. 00:11:38.279 --> 00:11:40.600 But I think McClellan's not special here. 00:11:40.840 --> 00:11:43.340 I think every general probably has wanted more men, 00:11:44.299 --> 00:11:45.319 more weapons. 00:11:46.220 --> 00:11:48.799 In any battle, it's always better to be the many 00:11:48.799 --> 00:11:49.960 rather than the few. 00:11:51.419 --> 00:11:52.960 But the military history in the Bible, 00:11:53.019 --> 00:11:53.720 and there's a lot of it, 00:11:54.039 --> 00:11:55.840 doesn't really fit this mold, does it? 00:11:55.840 --> 00:11:59.440 God never complains about the lack of soldiers. 00:11:59.580 --> 00:12:00.240 On the contrary, 00:12:00.399 --> 00:12:02.720 sometimes he seems to intentionally limit 00:12:02.720 --> 00:12:04.600 the human resources at his disposal. 00:12:04.720 --> 00:12:06.740 That's what we see here in 1 Samuel 14. 00:12:07.160 --> 00:12:08.600 We see it maybe even more clearly 00:12:08.600 --> 00:12:10.019 in Judges chapter 7. 00:12:10.940 --> 00:12:12.180 Then there, in Judges 7, 00:12:12.280 --> 00:12:14.460 it's not the Philistines who are oppressing Israel. 00:12:14.580 --> 00:12:16.340 It's another neighboring nation, the Midianites. 00:12:17.100 --> 00:12:18.519 And so God raises up Gideon, 00:12:19.340 --> 00:12:20.360 an unimportant man 00:12:20.360 --> 00:12:22.560 from an unimportant family in Israel, 00:12:22.879 --> 00:12:25.580 not someone who's an obvious choice to lead at all, 00:12:25.580 --> 00:12:26.820 but God chooses him. 00:12:27.740 --> 00:12:30.780 And then Gideon calls the warriors of Israel together. 00:12:30.879 --> 00:12:33.259 And listen to what God tells Gideon in Judges 7. 00:12:33.340 --> 00:12:35.100 It's on page 206 if you want to turn there, 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:36.240 but I'll just read it. 00:12:36.440 --> 00:12:37.360 Verses 2 through 7. 00:12:38.320 --> 00:12:39.639 The Lord said to Gideon, 00:12:40.139 --> 00:12:42.639 You have too many men for me to deliver Midian 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:43.440 into their hands, 00:12:43.940 --> 00:12:46.360 in order that Israel may not boast against me 00:12:46.360 --> 00:12:47.940 that her own strength has saved her. 00:12:48.420 --> 00:12:49.600 Announce now to the people, 00:12:50.220 --> 00:12:51.520 anyone who trembles with fear 00:12:51.520 --> 00:12:53.340 may turn back and leave Mount Gilead. 00:12:53.340 --> 00:12:54.700 So 22,000 men left, 00:12:55.080 --> 00:12:56.440 while 10,000 men remained. 00:12:57.280 --> 00:12:58.480 But the Lord said to Gideon, 00:12:58.639 --> 00:13:00.379 There are still too many men. 00:13:01.139 --> 00:13:02.259 Take them down to the water, 00:13:02.700 --> 00:13:04.300 and I will sift them for you there. 00:13:04.840 --> 00:13:05.420 If I say, 00:13:05.639 --> 00:13:06.460 This one shall go with you, 00:13:06.500 --> 00:13:06.920 he shall go. 00:13:07.000 --> 00:13:07.460 But if I say, 00:13:07.639 --> 00:13:08.899 This one shall not go with you, 00:13:08.940 --> 00:13:09.720 he shall not go. 00:13:10.460 --> 00:13:12.460 So Gideon took the men down to the water. 00:13:13.139 --> 00:13:14.040 Then the Lord told him, 00:13:14.139 --> 00:13:15.600 Separate those who lap the water 00:13:15.600 --> 00:13:16.700 with their tongues like a dog 00:13:16.700 --> 00:13:18.180 from those who kneel down to drink. 00:13:18.179 --> 00:13:21.039 300 men lapped with their hands to their mouths. 00:13:21.599 --> 00:13:24.000 All the rest got down on their knees to drink. 00:13:24.459 --> 00:13:25.379 The Lord said to Gideon, 00:13:25.879 --> 00:13:27.199 With the 300 men that lapped, 00:13:27.299 --> 00:13:28.039 I will save you 00:13:28.039 --> 00:13:30.439 and give the Midianites into your hands. 00:13:30.819 --> 00:13:32.019 Let all the other men go, 00:13:32.259 --> 00:13:33.319 each to his own place. 00:13:34.419 --> 00:13:36.479 So God is progressively whittling down 00:13:36.479 --> 00:13:39.199 the number of soldiers available to Gideon. 00:13:39.959 --> 00:13:43.419 Now why did the Lord give these specific instructions? 00:13:43.419 --> 00:13:46.419 Was there something particularly spiritual 00:13:46.959 --> 00:13:48.799 about the men who lapped at the water 00:13:48.799 --> 00:13:50.240 rather than the ones 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:52.679 who knelt down on their knees to drink? 00:13:53.139 --> 00:13:54.860 Some people have tried to explain 00:13:54.860 --> 00:13:55.939 how that might be true. 00:13:56.519 --> 00:13:58.699 Maybe something that would make them better soldiers 00:13:58.699 --> 00:14:00.819 or better at following instructions. 00:14:02.039 --> 00:14:03.979 But if there's something about lapping at water 00:14:03.979 --> 00:14:05.159 that makes you a better soldier, 00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:06.819 I don't know what it is. 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:09.799 In fact, I think the whole point 00:14:09.799 --> 00:14:11.360 of what God's doing here is saying, 00:14:11.459 --> 00:14:13.120 Look, I'm doing this in order 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:14.560 that Israel may not boast 00:14:14.560 --> 00:14:17.299 that it's their own strength that saved them. 00:14:17.980 --> 00:14:19.879 I'm choosing an arbitrary criteria 00:14:19.879 --> 00:14:21.100 to separate these soldiers 00:14:21.100 --> 00:14:22.700 just so you remember 00:14:22.700 --> 00:14:24.299 that I won this victory 00:14:24.299 --> 00:14:26.700 and it wasn't won by soldiers 00:14:26.700 --> 00:14:27.759 or strength of arms. 00:14:28.360 --> 00:14:29.899 That's how God does things. 00:14:31.279 --> 00:14:33.379 And isn't that exactly what God is doing 00:14:33.379 --> 00:14:35.340 in 1 Samuel 14 here 00:14:35.340 --> 00:14:37.299 in the passage we're looking at this evening? 00:14:38.080 --> 00:14:39.600 There's a great Philistine army 00:14:39.600 --> 00:14:41.100 that stands arrayed against Israel 00:14:41.100 --> 00:14:43.220 and God's going to win the victory 00:14:43.220 --> 00:14:44.860 with two men and one sword. 00:14:46.060 --> 00:14:48.019 God wants to be glorified and worshipped 00:14:48.019 --> 00:14:50.399 as the true deliverer of his people. 00:14:50.540 --> 00:14:53.659 In fact, every detail of Jonathan's assault 00:14:53.659 --> 00:14:55.000 on the Philistine outpost 00:14:55.000 --> 00:14:56.720 emphasizes this fact 00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:58.879 that the victory belongs to God. 00:14:58.879 --> 00:15:01.439 So Jonathan's attack begins 00:15:01.439 --> 00:15:02.679 over the most impossible, 00:15:02.899 --> 00:15:04.740 unpromising terrain imaginable. 00:15:05.639 --> 00:15:07.220 Remember, we saw how it was described. 00:15:07.399 --> 00:15:09.620 There's a deep ravine 00:15:09.620 --> 00:15:11.120 with cliffs on either side 00:15:11.120 --> 00:15:12.820 and in order to get to the Philistines, 00:15:12.939 --> 00:15:13.960 Jonathan and his armor bearer 00:15:13.960 --> 00:15:15.080 are going to have to climb down one 00:15:15.080 --> 00:15:16.759 and then climb up the other 00:15:16.759 --> 00:15:18.480 while the Philistines laugh at them 00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:19.720 and probably throw rocks. 00:15:21.139 --> 00:15:22.279 Well, maybe the Philistines 00:15:22.279 --> 00:15:23.139 won't expect them. 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:25.299 Maybe they'll have the advantage of surprise 00:15:25.299 --> 00:15:26.419 coming from that direction, 00:15:26.419 --> 00:15:28.659 but we see that that doesn't happen either. 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:30.419 In fact, Jonathan said to his armor bearer, 00:15:30.979 --> 00:15:32.199 climb up after me. 00:15:32.259 --> 00:15:33.179 The Lord has given them 00:15:33.179 --> 00:15:34.399 into the hand of Israel. 00:15:35.439 --> 00:15:36.539 Actually, I'm sorry, before that, 00:15:36.599 --> 00:15:37.899 in verse 8, Jonathan said, 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:39.240 come then, we will cross over 00:15:39.240 --> 00:15:41.079 toward the men and let them see us. 00:15:41.620 --> 00:15:42.959 So Jonathan reveals himself. 00:15:43.059 --> 00:15:43.659 Here I am. 00:15:44.439 --> 00:15:46.099 Let's the enemy know he's coming. 00:15:47.199 --> 00:15:48.339 And then Jonathan responds 00:15:48.339 --> 00:15:49.479 with great confidence. 00:15:50.139 --> 00:15:51.439 The Lord has given them 00:15:51.439 --> 00:15:52.480 into the hand of Israel. 00:15:52.480 --> 00:15:54.340 So it's two against dozens 00:15:54.340 --> 00:15:56.940 with inferior weaponry, 00:15:57.560 --> 00:15:58.580 climbing up a cliff 00:15:58.580 --> 00:16:00.200 with soldiers standing above you. 00:16:00.580 --> 00:16:01.620 It's perfect. 00:16:02.360 --> 00:16:05.060 It's the perfect setup for an attack. 00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:07.460 Not from a worldly perspective, 00:16:07.899 --> 00:16:08.879 but from God's. 00:16:09.700 --> 00:16:11.720 This might seem like insane arrogance 00:16:11.720 --> 00:16:13.060 or delusion until you remember 00:16:13.060 --> 00:16:14.779 that it's God's presence in the battle 00:16:14.779 --> 00:16:16.240 that makes the majority. 00:16:18.159 --> 00:16:19.800 Well, the remainder of the passage 00:16:19.799 --> 00:16:21.819 just gives us details of the victory. 00:16:22.139 --> 00:16:22.939 They climb the cliff. 00:16:23.159 --> 00:16:24.339 They kill a bunch of soldiers. 00:16:24.479 --> 00:16:25.519 The rest run off in terror. 00:16:26.139 --> 00:16:27.519 The news of the defeat spreads, 00:16:27.620 --> 00:16:29.039 and pretty soon the Philistine army 00:16:29.039 --> 00:16:29.919 is in a panic. 00:16:30.439 --> 00:16:31.919 It's a panic sent by God. 00:16:32.679 --> 00:16:33.679 By the time the Israelites 00:16:33.679 --> 00:16:35.039 even arrive on the scene 00:16:35.039 --> 00:16:35.979 to finish the job, 00:16:36.279 --> 00:16:37.620 the Philistines are fighting one another. 00:16:37.979 --> 00:16:39.939 They're doing the Israelites' jobs for them. 00:16:40.219 --> 00:16:41.419 The victory is complete. 00:16:41.620 --> 00:16:43.120 It's a catastrophic setback 00:16:43.120 --> 00:16:43.959 for the Philistines. 00:16:44.399 --> 00:16:46.740 God's great power to save 00:16:46.740 --> 00:16:47.979 is demonstrated again 00:16:47.979 --> 00:16:49.620 to a doubtful world. 00:16:49.799 --> 00:16:54.039 So where are you right now? 00:16:56.039 --> 00:16:57.419 Not in ancient Israel, 00:16:58.120 --> 00:17:00.179 being oppressed by Philistines, I think. 00:17:02.979 --> 00:17:04.139 Some of you, I think, 00:17:04.240 --> 00:17:06.440 probably feel harassed and helpless, 00:17:08.319 --> 00:17:09.419 anxious about the future. 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:12.259 Maybe your family life 00:17:12.259 --> 00:17:13.460 isn't working out the way 00:17:13.460 --> 00:17:14.980 that you'd always hoped it would, 00:17:15.460 --> 00:17:17.559 or maybe you have medical 00:17:17.559 --> 00:17:19.579 or financial setbacks facing you. 00:17:20.359 --> 00:17:21.980 Maybe you have deep concern 00:17:21.980 --> 00:17:24.579 or anxiety about your spiritual state, 00:17:24.679 --> 00:17:25.980 where you stand before God. 00:17:26.059 --> 00:17:27.720 How does God really feel about you? 00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:31.919 Well, I don't have medical 00:17:31.919 --> 00:17:33.559 or financial advice to give you. 00:17:34.159 --> 00:17:35.579 If I did, you wouldn't want to take it. 00:17:35.579 --> 00:17:40.639 What I have is what 1 Samuel 14 says. 00:17:41.639 --> 00:17:44.740 Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving. 00:17:46.159 --> 00:17:47.699 I don't know your circumstances. 00:17:48.699 --> 00:17:50.480 I don't know why God has brought 00:17:50.480 --> 00:17:52.419 the trials to you that He has brought. 00:17:52.420 --> 00:17:56.960 I don't even know what God's deliverance 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:59.000 would look like when it came to you, 00:17:59.960 --> 00:18:00.620 specifically. 00:18:02.700 --> 00:18:04.759 But it may just be that He has put you 00:18:04.759 --> 00:18:06.980 where you are so that when He saves you, 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:09.580 you won't boast in your own strength, 00:18:09.660 --> 00:18:10.320 but you'll say, 00:18:10.759 --> 00:18:11.700 the God of Jonathan, 00:18:12.400 --> 00:18:14.680 the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:18:14.840 --> 00:18:15.660 He did this, 00:18:16.279 --> 00:18:16.920 and no other. 00:18:16.920 --> 00:18:20.460 Your situation is not 00:18:20.460 --> 00:18:21.820 outside of God's control. 00:18:24.060 --> 00:18:25.380 Just before the start of the service, 00:18:25.480 --> 00:18:26.320 I was talking to Nick, 00:18:26.600 --> 00:18:27.720 and he asked if I wanted to do 00:18:27.720 --> 00:18:29.019 any question and answers 00:18:29.019 --> 00:18:30.740 after the services we sometimes do. 00:18:31.140 --> 00:18:31.400 And I said, 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:32.279 I don't think we'll need to. 00:18:32.360 --> 00:18:34.120 I think it's a pretty straightforward passage 00:18:34.120 --> 00:18:35.700 with this really powerful 00:18:35.700 --> 00:18:36.900 but clear message. 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:40.519 The one question that someone might ask 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:42.360 if they were to would be, 00:18:43.300 --> 00:18:44.860 can something hinder the Lord? 00:18:45.000 --> 00:18:45.380 Well, no. 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:46.220 It says in the text, 00:18:46.220 --> 00:18:47.259 nothing can hinder the Lord. 00:18:48.420 --> 00:18:49.420 And then Nick followed up. 00:18:49.480 --> 00:18:49.640 He said, 00:18:49.660 --> 00:18:50.200 well, what about me? 00:18:50.259 --> 00:18:51.019 Can I hinder the Lord? 00:18:52.420 --> 00:18:53.259 And he was joking. 00:18:54.819 --> 00:18:55.860 But it's a good question. 00:18:56.339 --> 00:18:57.240 Not Nick specifically. 00:18:57.839 --> 00:18:58.819 I mean us. 00:19:00.440 --> 00:19:01.259 When we think about 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:03.360 what we want God to do for us, 00:19:03.880 --> 00:19:05.000 we think about what we want 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:06.180 our lives to look like. 00:19:06.759 --> 00:19:08.180 The chief obstacle is 00:19:08.180 --> 00:19:10.700 generally not outside of us. 00:19:10.799 --> 00:19:11.480 It's within us. 00:19:13.779 --> 00:19:15.519 Can I hinder the Lord? 00:19:17.220 --> 00:19:18.880 It's a question we all ask ourselves 00:19:18.880 --> 00:19:19.539 at some point, 00:19:19.600 --> 00:19:20.180 or at least we should, 00:19:20.700 --> 00:19:22.220 if we're serious about our life. 00:19:25.059 --> 00:19:26.200 Well, the answer is no. 00:19:27.539 --> 00:19:28.799 The testimony of Scripture 00:19:28.799 --> 00:19:31.539 is not just that opposing armies 00:19:31.539 --> 00:19:33.759 cannot overcome the Lord. 00:19:34.140 --> 00:19:36.220 It's that even our own sin and rebellion 00:19:36.220 --> 00:19:38.259 can't overcome the Lord. 00:19:38.259 --> 00:19:42.140 So what should we do 00:19:42.140 --> 00:19:43.700 while we wait on the Lord 00:19:43.700 --> 00:19:45.759 to bring us deliverance? 00:19:46.859 --> 00:19:47.960 Well, we trust him. 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:49.859 And do what Jonathan did. 00:19:49.940 --> 00:19:50.779 Remember the ways 00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:52.519 that God has saved in the past. 00:19:53.119 --> 00:19:54.180 So remember Jonathan 00:19:54.180 --> 00:19:55.119 and take heart. 00:19:56.319 --> 00:19:57.460 Think about Gideon 00:19:57.460 --> 00:19:58.879 and see God's power. 00:20:00.119 --> 00:20:00.960 Most of all, 00:20:01.640 --> 00:20:03.599 remember Jesus Christ. 00:20:03.599 --> 00:20:06.159 It's not just that God 00:20:06.159 --> 00:20:07.179 might deliver you 00:20:07.179 --> 00:20:08.819 or even that he's promised 00:20:08.819 --> 00:20:09.539 to deliver you 00:20:09.539 --> 00:20:10.659 at some future date. 00:20:11.199 --> 00:20:12.699 If you've trusted in Christ, 00:20:12.779 --> 00:20:14.639 he already has delivered you. 00:20:15.819 --> 00:20:17.059 And the momentary sufferings 00:20:17.059 --> 00:20:17.639 of this life 00:20:17.639 --> 00:20:19.259 are simply preparing us 00:20:19.259 --> 00:20:20.480 for future glory. 00:20:21.480 --> 00:20:22.399 Those of us 00:20:22.399 --> 00:20:23.519 who have trusted in Christ 00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:24.859 have already experienced 00:20:24.859 --> 00:20:26.240 a future salvation 00:20:26.240 --> 00:20:27.480 far more dramatic 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:28.439 and complete 00:20:28.439 --> 00:20:29.359 than any victory 00:20:29.359 --> 00:20:30.719 over Philistines. 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:33.059 Now if you're here 00:20:33.059 --> 00:20:34.400 and you haven't trusted in Christ, 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:35.380 if you've never known 00:20:35.380 --> 00:20:37.420 that kind of deliverance 00:20:37.420 --> 00:20:38.059 or rescue, 00:20:38.880 --> 00:20:40.400 you might be wondering 00:20:40.400 --> 00:20:42.339 what Jesus has to do 00:20:42.339 --> 00:20:43.160 with Jonathan. 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:45.620 Well, Christians believe 00:20:45.620 --> 00:20:46.759 that all of the examples 00:20:46.759 --> 00:20:47.900 of God's deliverance 00:20:47.900 --> 00:20:48.480 and salvation 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:49.400 in the Old Testament 00:20:49.400 --> 00:20:50.400 point forward 00:20:50.400 --> 00:20:52.279 to the greatest salvation 00:20:52.279 --> 00:20:53.759 available to us 00:20:53.759 --> 00:20:54.279 in Christ 00:20:54.279 --> 00:20:55.200 in the New Testament. 00:20:55.519 --> 00:20:56.279 The salvation that is 00:20:56.279 --> 00:20:57.660 now at work 00:20:57.660 --> 00:20:58.700 in our lives. 00:20:59.059 --> 00:21:00.299 These are like appetizers 00:21:00.299 --> 00:21:01.119 that prepare us 00:21:01.119 --> 00:21:02.039 to look forward 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:03.440 to the great feast to come. 00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:05.099 And the salvation 00:21:05.099 --> 00:21:05.899 that we have in Christ 00:21:05.899 --> 00:21:07.159 is even more improbable 00:21:07.159 --> 00:21:08.259 and mind-bending 00:21:08.259 --> 00:21:09.200 than Jonathan's. 00:21:10.319 --> 00:21:11.279 Jesus was confronted 00:21:11.279 --> 00:21:12.440 by a world of people 00:21:12.440 --> 00:21:13.819 in active rebellion 00:21:13.819 --> 00:21:14.799 against his Father. 00:21:15.220 --> 00:21:15.700 The challenge 00:21:15.700 --> 00:21:17.559 wasn't a hostile military force, 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:19.220 but the fact that humanity 00:21:19.220 --> 00:21:20.379 stood under God's 00:21:20.379 --> 00:21:22.139 just judgment for sin. 00:21:23.200 --> 00:21:24.059 The Apostle Paul wrote 00:21:24.059 --> 00:21:24.819 in 1 Corinthians, 00:21:25.200 --> 00:21:26.639 the sting of death is sin 00:21:26.639 --> 00:21:28.279 and the power of sin 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:29.019 is the law. 00:21:29.019 --> 00:21:31.460 God requires all of us 00:21:31.460 --> 00:21:32.480 to obey him. 00:21:33.339 --> 00:21:34.559 But at the same time, 00:21:34.619 --> 00:21:35.180 we rebel. 00:21:35.960 --> 00:21:37.559 And the law puts us 00:21:37.559 --> 00:21:38.960 under a sentence of death. 00:21:39.879 --> 00:21:40.480 Paul is saying 00:21:40.480 --> 00:21:41.279 that death is like 00:21:41.279 --> 00:21:42.359 a venomous spider 00:21:42.359 --> 00:21:44.759 which uses our own sin 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:45.440 to bring us 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:46.960 to eternal death. 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:49.220 And so Jesus 00:21:49.220 --> 00:21:50.839 dies on the cross 00:21:50.839 --> 00:21:52.059 taking the punishment 00:21:52.059 --> 00:21:52.859 for our sins 00:21:52.859 --> 00:21:54.099 that God's law required. 00:21:54.839 --> 00:21:55.720 And so Paul can say 00:21:55.720 --> 00:21:56.900 the sting of death is sin 00:21:56.900 --> 00:21:57.579 and the power of sin 00:21:57.579 --> 00:21:58.119 is the law, 00:21:58.119 --> 00:21:59.899 but thanks be to God. 00:22:00.419 --> 00:22:02.000 He gives us the victory 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:04.419 through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:22:05.740 --> 00:22:07.059 And what a victory it is. 00:22:07.960 --> 00:22:08.599 Jonathan's victory 00:22:08.599 --> 00:22:09.139 was accomplished 00:22:09.139 --> 00:22:09.879 with one sword, 00:22:10.639 --> 00:22:12.000 but Jesus' victory 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:12.919 was won without any. 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:15.599 Jonathan killed God's enemies. 00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:17.879 Jesus died for them. 00:22:19.259 --> 00:22:19.939 Jonathan's victory 00:22:19.939 --> 00:22:22.019 won temporary deliverance 00:22:22.019 --> 00:22:23.319 for the nation of Israel. 00:22:23.319 --> 00:22:25.059 Jesus brought 00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:26.259 eternal salvation 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:27.379 for anyone 00:22:27.379 --> 00:22:28.119 who would believe. 00:22:29.099 --> 00:22:29.740 Even you. 00:22:31.179 --> 00:22:31.939 Even me. 00:22:33.220 --> 00:22:34.079 Forgiveness of sin 00:22:34.079 --> 00:22:35.039 and an eternal life 00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:36.019 of fellowship with God, 00:22:36.159 --> 00:22:37.200 they are ours 00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:38.139 if we'll only turn away 00:22:38.139 --> 00:22:38.740 from our sin 00:22:38.740 --> 00:22:39.879 and trust in Christ. 00:22:40.419 --> 00:22:41.539 God can save us. 00:22:41.960 --> 00:22:43.299 Nothing can hinder 00:22:43.299 --> 00:22:44.439 the Lord from saving. 00:22:44.960 --> 00:22:46.279 Not even our own 00:22:46.279 --> 00:22:46.980 sinful hearts. 00:22:46.980 --> 00:22:52.759 So we see Jonathan's conviction. 00:22:53.720 --> 00:22:54.700 Nothing can stop God 00:22:54.700 --> 00:22:55.259 from saving. 00:22:55.579 --> 00:22:56.360 We ourselves know 00:22:56.360 --> 00:22:57.420 an even greater salvation, 00:22:57.519 --> 00:22:58.240 the true salvation 00:22:58.240 --> 00:22:59.120 that comes to us 00:22:59.120 --> 00:22:59.980 through Christ. 00:23:00.779 --> 00:23:01.940 Nothing can hinder 00:23:01.940 --> 00:23:03.579 the Lord from saving. 00:23:03.759 --> 00:23:04.579 Well, we've talked about 00:23:04.579 --> 00:23:05.420 Jonathan's actions 00:23:05.420 --> 00:23:06.839 as well as his faith. 00:23:07.360 --> 00:23:08.220 But notice that 00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:09.460 Jonathan must have realized 00:23:09.460 --> 00:23:10.380 something else key. 00:23:11.099 --> 00:23:12.519 That God uses people 00:23:12.519 --> 00:23:14.059 to bring about salvation. 00:23:14.059 --> 00:23:16.519 It isn't just that God 00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:17.839 has to work through people, 00:23:17.940 --> 00:23:19.079 it's just that he chooses to. 00:23:19.379 --> 00:23:20.000 And we can march 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:20.539 through the Bible 00:23:20.539 --> 00:23:21.740 and find all the examples 00:23:21.740 --> 00:23:22.799 of times and places 00:23:22.799 --> 00:23:23.679 where God uses 00:23:23.679 --> 00:23:25.519 often ordinary people 00:23:25.519 --> 00:23:26.919 to bring salvation 00:23:26.919 --> 00:23:27.519 or deliverance 00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:28.859 to his people. 00:23:29.159 --> 00:23:30.679 Noah, Moses, Gideon, 00:23:30.819 --> 00:23:32.240 Samson, Jonathan, David, 00:23:32.659 --> 00:23:33.500 Paul, Peter. 00:23:34.440 --> 00:23:35.679 When God brings salvation, 00:23:36.240 --> 00:23:37.200 he normally does it 00:23:37.200 --> 00:23:38.779 through human agents, 00:23:39.019 --> 00:23:39.460 through people 00:23:39.460 --> 00:23:40.559 like you and me. 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:43.299 This is why Paul 00:23:43.299 --> 00:23:44.480 in the book of Corinthians 00:23:44.480 --> 00:23:44.779 says, 00:23:44.940 --> 00:23:46.119 We are God's ambassadors 00:23:46.119 --> 00:23:47.559 as though God 00:23:47.559 --> 00:23:48.659 were making his appeal 00:23:48.659 --> 00:23:49.440 through us. 00:23:50.339 --> 00:23:51.079 We implore you 00:23:51.079 --> 00:23:51.879 on Christ's behalf 00:23:51.879 --> 00:23:53.299 be reconciled to God. 00:23:54.279 --> 00:23:55.940 We are Christ's ambassadors. 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:58.039 God is making his appeal 00:23:58.039 --> 00:23:58.759 through us. 00:23:59.799 --> 00:24:00.779 This is true today. 00:24:01.919 --> 00:24:02.799 God chooses to bring 00:24:02.799 --> 00:24:03.740 salvation to the world 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:04.720 by empowering 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:05.779 ordinary human beings 00:24:05.779 --> 00:24:06.440 like you and me, 00:24:06.779 --> 00:24:07.819 people who are ourselves 00:24:07.819 --> 00:24:08.220 sinners, 00:24:08.220 --> 00:24:10.900 and he brings 00:24:10.900 --> 00:24:11.660 the gospel, 00:24:11.880 --> 00:24:12.480 the good news 00:24:12.480 --> 00:24:13.740 of Jesus Christ 00:24:13.740 --> 00:24:16.019 through us. 00:24:18.339 --> 00:24:19.319 How can they call 00:24:19.319 --> 00:24:19.740 on the one 00:24:19.740 --> 00:24:20.839 they have not believed in 00:24:20.839 --> 00:24:21.819 and how can they believe 00:24:21.819 --> 00:24:22.279 in the one 00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:23.460 of whom they have not heard 00:24:23.460 --> 00:24:24.920 and how can they hear 00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:25.600 without someone 00:24:25.600 --> 00:24:26.420 preaching to them, 00:24:26.900 --> 00:24:27.660 Paul asks. 00:24:28.180 --> 00:24:29.299 And the questions 00:24:29.299 --> 00:24:30.079 are rhetorical 00:24:30.079 --> 00:24:31.180 because the answer 00:24:31.180 --> 00:24:32.559 is they can't. 00:24:33.900 --> 00:24:35.140 Well, almost never. 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:36.059 There are some 00:24:36.059 --> 00:24:37.279 very rare exceptions. 00:24:38.220 --> 00:24:39.519 Almost 300 years ago, 00:24:39.600 --> 00:24:40.120 the great preacher 00:24:40.120 --> 00:24:40.940 George Whitefield 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:42.539 toured the United States 00:24:42.539 --> 00:24:45.019 preaching to huge crowds, 00:24:45.559 --> 00:24:46.240 tens of thousands 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:46.680 at times. 00:24:46.819 --> 00:24:47.640 In fact, he visited 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:48.079 Connecticut 00:24:48.079 --> 00:24:49.720 and preached in Hartford 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:50.360 and Weatherfield 00:24:50.360 --> 00:24:51.940 and places not very far 00:24:51.940 --> 00:24:52.360 from here. 00:24:52.880 --> 00:24:53.900 But a lot of people 00:24:53.900 --> 00:24:54.620 in both England 00:24:54.620 --> 00:24:55.720 and in America 00:24:55.720 --> 00:24:56.880 disliked Whitefield. 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:58.720 There was one man 00:24:58.720 --> 00:24:59.600 named Mr. Thorpe 00:24:59.600 --> 00:25:00.940 who was part of a group 00:25:00.940 --> 00:25:02.059 called the Hellfire Club. 00:25:02.380 --> 00:25:03.220 And the Hellfire Club 00:25:03.220 --> 00:25:04.920 existed solely to mock 00:25:04.920 --> 00:25:05.960 George Whitefield 00:25:05.960 --> 00:25:07.160 and to disrupt 00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:07.880 his sermons 00:25:07.880 --> 00:25:08.660 whenever they could. 00:25:10.000 --> 00:25:10.480 One day, 00:25:10.539 --> 00:25:11.079 Mr. Thorpe 00:25:11.079 --> 00:25:11.640 and his friends 00:25:11.640 --> 00:25:12.259 were in a pub 00:25:12.259 --> 00:25:13.759 and Mr. Thorpe 00:25:13.759 --> 00:25:14.680 decided he would do 00:25:14.680 --> 00:25:15.840 some impressions 00:25:15.840 --> 00:25:17.039 of George Whitefield 00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:18.120 and his friends 00:25:18.120 --> 00:25:19.120 found them hilarious. 00:25:20.400 --> 00:25:21.480 He did an excellent 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.019 imitation, 00:25:22.620 --> 00:25:23.900 including facial expressions 00:25:23.900 --> 00:25:24.660 and mannerisms 00:25:24.660 --> 00:25:25.740 and even the very 00:25:25.740 --> 00:25:26.539 scripture quotes 00:25:26.539 --> 00:25:27.180 and words 00:25:27.180 --> 00:25:27.940 that George Whitefield 00:25:27.940 --> 00:25:28.559 had used. 00:25:29.120 --> 00:25:29.980 But in the middle 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:30.779 of his mockery, 00:25:31.059 --> 00:25:31.920 he listened to what 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:32.500 he was saying 00:25:32.500 --> 00:25:33.100 and was converted 00:25:33.099 --> 00:25:33.639 on the spot. 00:25:34.879 --> 00:25:35.279 And he lived 00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:35.839 a totally different 00:25:35.839 --> 00:25:36.519 life after that. 00:25:37.019 --> 00:25:37.859 I think he's the only 00:25:37.859 --> 00:25:39.279 person I've ever heard of 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:39.859 who was converted 00:25:39.859 --> 00:25:40.719 through his own preaching. 00:25:42.179 --> 00:25:43.459 And he didn't even mean it. 00:25:44.939 --> 00:25:45.980 That's not typical. 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:47.619 And even in that example, 00:25:48.019 --> 00:25:48.959 it's because he'd heard 00:25:48.959 --> 00:25:49.659 George Whitefield 00:25:49.659 --> 00:25:50.740 that he even knew 00:25:50.740 --> 00:25:51.339 what to say. 00:25:52.459 --> 00:25:53.480 The fact is, 00:25:53.879 --> 00:25:54.659 when God wants 00:25:54.659 --> 00:25:55.519 to bring salvation, 00:25:56.359 --> 00:25:56.980 whether it's from 00:25:56.980 --> 00:25:57.919 a Philistine army 00:25:57.919 --> 00:26:00.299 or forgiveness of sins, 00:26:00.819 --> 00:26:01.459 he does it 00:26:01.459 --> 00:26:02.179 through human beings. 00:26:04.059 --> 00:26:04.639 Of course, 00:26:04.719 --> 00:26:05.359 the great example 00:26:05.359 --> 00:26:05.839 of this is 00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:06.839 Jesus Christ himself. 00:26:07.399 --> 00:26:08.219 Eternal sin of God, 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:08.619 yes, 00:26:08.980 --> 00:26:10.079 but also a man. 00:26:11.219 --> 00:26:12.019 Whenever we read 00:26:12.019 --> 00:26:12.579 of God bringing 00:26:12.579 --> 00:26:13.519 deliverance through a man, 00:26:13.599 --> 00:26:14.379 we're meant to think 00:26:14.379 --> 00:26:14.879 of Jesus. 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:16.199 So we read of Moses 00:26:16.199 --> 00:26:16.980 who leads the people 00:26:16.980 --> 00:26:17.500 out of Egypt 00:26:17.500 --> 00:26:18.679 and we're reminded 00:26:18.679 --> 00:26:19.679 in Deuteronomy 18 00:26:19.679 --> 00:26:20.399 that there's another 00:26:20.399 --> 00:26:21.079 prophet coming, 00:26:21.319 --> 00:26:22.059 like Moses. 00:26:22.939 --> 00:26:24.159 Or we think about Joshua 00:26:24.159 --> 00:26:24.859 who leads the people 00:26:24.859 --> 00:26:25.919 into the promised land 00:26:25.919 --> 00:26:26.859 after Moses leads 00:26:26.859 --> 00:26:27.500 them out of Egypt 00:26:27.500 --> 00:26:29.019 and then we remember 00:26:29.019 --> 00:26:29.699 that Joshua, 00:26:29.959 --> 00:26:30.319 Yeshua, 00:26:30.500 --> 00:26:30.740 Jesus, 00:26:30.899 --> 00:26:31.219 that these are 00:26:31.219 --> 00:26:32.059 the same name. 00:26:33.099 --> 00:26:34.639 Or David, 00:26:35.339 --> 00:26:36.539 Jesus is the son of David, 00:26:36.619 --> 00:26:37.819 is he another warrior king? 00:26:38.279 --> 00:26:39.000 Another Moses, 00:26:39.159 --> 00:26:39.779 another Joshua, 00:26:39.899 --> 00:26:40.439 another David? 00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:41.059 Yes, 00:26:41.139 --> 00:26:42.359 but greater than all of these, 00:26:42.959 --> 00:26:43.719 he's the man 00:26:43.719 --> 00:26:45.139 through whom we have salvation. 00:26:46.399 --> 00:26:47.159 The one man 00:26:47.159 --> 00:26:50.500 through whom we have, 00:26:50.719 --> 00:26:51.480 the one man 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:52.199 who can mediate 00:26:52.199 --> 00:26:53.599 between God and man. 00:26:53.899 --> 00:26:54.439 One God, 00:26:54.539 --> 00:26:54.980 one mediator 00:26:54.980 --> 00:26:55.740 between God and man, 00:26:55.799 --> 00:26:56.859 the man Jesus Christ 00:26:56.859 --> 00:26:57.980 who gave himself 00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:58.539 as a ransom 00:26:58.539 --> 00:26:59.240 for all men. 00:26:59.240 --> 00:27:00.680 says 1 Timothy. 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:03.160 God brought ultimate salvation 00:27:03.160 --> 00:27:04.079 through Jesus Christ. 00:27:04.700 --> 00:27:05.539 So we now know 00:27:05.539 --> 00:27:06.319 that God saves 00:27:06.319 --> 00:27:06.720 and we know 00:27:06.720 --> 00:27:07.380 that he saves 00:27:07.380 --> 00:27:07.920 through people. 00:27:08.059 --> 00:27:08.180 Well, 00:27:08.220 --> 00:27:08.880 what should we do? 00:27:10.359 --> 00:27:10.640 Well, 00:27:10.640 --> 00:27:11.720 we can't just take this 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:12.480 as an example 00:27:12.480 --> 00:27:13.480 to follow. 00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:15.420 We don't want a kind 00:27:15.420 --> 00:27:16.460 of bad Sunday school 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:17.480 theology that says 00:27:17.480 --> 00:27:18.380 Jonathan was brave 00:27:18.380 --> 00:27:19.380 so you should be brave. 00:27:19.960 --> 00:27:20.940 Jesus obeyed God 00:27:20.940 --> 00:27:22.259 so you should obey God too. 00:27:23.660 --> 00:27:23.859 Well, 00:27:23.920 --> 00:27:24.279 you should. 00:27:24.279 --> 00:27:26.559 The problem is 00:27:26.559 --> 00:27:27.740 that we're not like Jesus. 00:27:29.399 --> 00:27:30.680 The greatest salvation 00:27:30.680 --> 00:27:31.660 is one that we cannot 00:27:31.660 --> 00:27:32.799 work for ourselves 00:27:32.799 --> 00:27:34.180 no matter how courageous 00:27:34.180 --> 00:27:34.740 we are. 00:27:35.359 --> 00:27:36.399 We have to keep 00:27:36.399 --> 00:27:37.299 reminding ourselves 00:27:37.299 --> 00:27:38.180 of the central truth 00:27:38.180 --> 00:27:38.859 of this text 00:27:38.859 --> 00:27:40.000 and of the whole Bible 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:41.440 that it's God 00:27:41.440 --> 00:27:42.079 who saves. 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:45.019 At the same time, 00:27:45.720 --> 00:27:47.019 this story reminds us 00:27:47.019 --> 00:27:49.039 of both God's power 00:27:49.039 --> 00:27:50.339 and his kindness 00:27:50.339 --> 00:27:51.079 to his people. 00:27:51.639 --> 00:27:52.700 And it's that power 00:27:52.700 --> 00:27:53.259 and mercy 00:27:53.259 --> 00:27:54.099 that allows us 00:27:54.099 --> 00:27:54.900 to live boldly 00:27:54.900 --> 00:27:55.640 and courageously 00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:56.160 for him. 00:27:56.960 --> 00:27:58.059 The God who saved 00:27:58.059 --> 00:27:58.720 in the past 00:27:58.720 --> 00:28:00.099 is the same 00:28:00.099 --> 00:28:01.079 as the God 00:28:01.079 --> 00:28:01.879 who saves today. 00:28:02.039 --> 00:28:02.980 He does not change 00:28:02.980 --> 00:28:05.220 even if human circumstances do. 00:28:05.940 --> 00:28:07.500 He is powerful to save 00:28:07.500 --> 00:28:08.980 and powerful to save 00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:10.660 even miserable sinners. 00:28:11.900 --> 00:28:12.579 And he's chosen 00:28:12.579 --> 00:28:13.460 to use the weakest 00:28:13.460 --> 00:28:14.339 of human instruments 00:28:14.339 --> 00:28:14.879 to do it. 00:28:15.099 --> 00:28:15.960 People like you and me. 00:28:17.039 --> 00:28:17.839 So if you've trusted 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:18.379 in Christ, 00:28:18.759 --> 00:28:19.660 you have the privilege 00:28:19.660 --> 00:28:20.400 of participating 00:28:20.400 --> 00:28:21.299 in this work. 00:28:21.720 --> 00:28:22.680 So why not? 00:28:23.259 --> 00:28:25.019 Why not prayerfully 00:28:25.019 --> 00:28:25.859 trust the Lord 00:28:25.859 --> 00:28:28.160 for your own salvation 00:28:28.160 --> 00:28:29.319 and also for the salvation 00:28:29.319 --> 00:28:30.460 of the people around you? 00:28:31.039 --> 00:28:32.319 Nothing can hinder 00:28:32.319 --> 00:28:33.460 the Lord from saving. 00:28:34.460 --> 00:28:35.279 Let's pray. 00:28:35.279 --> 00:28:42.740 O God, 00:28:42.779 --> 00:28:44.319 when you decide to save, 00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:45.960 nothing can stop you. 00:28:46.920 --> 00:28:48.339 There is no one like you. 00:28:48.339 --> 00:28:50.619 Lord, 00:28:50.619 --> 00:28:52.179 we confess to our own weakness 00:28:52.179 --> 00:28:53.259 in faith 00:28:53.259 --> 00:28:54.720 and we ask that you 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.619 would strengthen us. 00:28:56.740 --> 00:28:57.720 We pray that you would 00:28:57.720 --> 00:28:59.480 give us a renewed joy 00:28:59.480 --> 00:29:00.559 in our own salvation 00:29:00.559 --> 00:29:02.000 if we've trusted in Christ. 00:29:03.079 --> 00:29:03.779 Remind us 00:29:03.779 --> 00:29:04.879 about what you have done 00:29:04.879 --> 00:29:05.619 for us already. 00:29:06.359 --> 00:29:07.339 And we pray that you would 00:29:07.339 --> 00:29:08.059 bring salvation 00:29:08.059 --> 00:29:08.899 to the lost world 00:29:08.899 --> 00:29:09.539 through us. 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.619 And we pray these things 00:29:11.619 --> 00:29:12.179 in the name 00:29:12.179 --> 00:29:13.500 of our mediator, 00:29:13.720 --> 00:29:14.740 the man Jesus Christ. 00:29:14.740 --> 00:29:15.740 Amen. 00:29:15.740 --> 00:29:15.839 Amen.