Jonathan, Man of God

If I had to choose a favorite Bible character, I think it would have to be Jonathan, son of Saul. His claim to fame is his friendship with David, and while that friendship is a great tribute to him, the rest of his accomplishments are often overlooked. The story in 1 Samuel 14:1-23 of his bravery and trust in God surely deserves recognition along with David's classic victory in chapter 17. The setting is this: King Saul's army has dwindled to 600 men, only two of whom are suitably armed. The Philistines have come against them in droves, and are camped at a fortified garrison. While Saul's little force waits in fear, Jonathan sets out on his own with his young armor bearer to scope out the enemy. After a look at the stronghold on the hill, Jonathan turns to his companion with a very bold suggestion: go up to the garrison, just the two of them. He reasons, "it may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few."

The fearlessness of Jonathan is astonishing, but almost more so is his leadership -- his armor bearer trusts him so fully as to immediately and unquestioningly agree to his idea. Only when he is assured of his comrade's support does Jonathan lay out the plan: they will come out into the open, and if the Philistines call them to come up to them, that will be the sign that God will give them the victory. Sure enough, when they step out of hiding, the Philistines mockingly call them to come up so they can teach them a lesson. Without another thought, Jonathan and his armor bearer climb up to the fortress and promptly take down twenty men. From there, God takes over -- He causes an earthquake, and the camp of the Philistines is overcome with fear. After discovering Jonathan's absence, Saul and his men show up just in time to see the enemy fleeing, killing each other in their confusion. "So the Lord saved Israel that day," the story concludes.

Jonathan was a man who trusted in God against all odds. In every episode Scripture gives of his life, he shows his total confidence in God's plan, from an impossible victory to David taking his rightful place as Israel's next king. He was known as someone who "worked with God" (1 Samuel 14:45). What an example for us to follow -- when things look grim, can you step out with complete confidence in the Lord's ability to work for you? Can you be committed to seeing God's plan fulfilled, even if it means you lose your status? Is your mind and your life focused on the Lord above all else, like Jonathan, the man of God?

And They Call This "Misery"?

When I announced that I was going to Children's Ministries Institute in Missouri this fall, a common response was, "So, you're going off to 'misery'?" Today marks one month since my arrival at Child Evangelism Fellowship international headquarters -- the longest I've ever been away from home. But so far, I've found it to be anything but misery. Some things I love about being here:

. . . Real thunderstorms. We've had four so far.
. . . Amazing instructors.
. . . People from all over the world. Especially when they speak other languages.
. . . Crazy classmates and thoughtful ones (sometimes in the same person).
. . . In jokes. Slurp it up, people.
. . . Laughing until my head hurts.
. . . Being stuck in traffic and talking about God. Even if we broke curfew.
. . . Blazing sunsets and a bigger horizon to see the stars.
. . . Writing a theology paper. You already know how much I like that.
. . . Little blue butterflies.
. . . Amazing prayer warriors. And the prayer plaza.
. . . Acoustics in the stairwells of a remodeled monastery.
. . . Dressing up.
. . . Internet. And sending newsletter e-mails.
. . . Hearing first-hand about God's works around the world.

I'm not one to get homesick, but of course there are things that just aren't the same so far away. Some things I miss about not being home:

. . . Fresh food.
. . . Sleeping outside.
. . . Playing piano whenever I want.
. . . Coniferous forests.
. . . My family.
. . . Quiet and darkness.
. . . Animals.
. . . Children (ironically scarce).
. . . Going barefoot.
. . . Friends who know me.
. . . My church.
. . . Driving.
. . . Living in a house.
. . . My Good News Club.
. . . Doing chores.

I'm very happy where I am, because it's very obvious that God wants me to be here. I love my good old Pacific Northwest, and I always will, but I begin to believe I could be happy almost anywhere. No doubt God will test that statement, but if home is where the heart is, I hope that I could feel at home anywhere, my heart all for the One who is everywhere.