Unsung Heroes – Faithful Despite the Odds

• We sometimes read of God’s faithfulness to the spiritual giants and attribute it to the man more than to God: Paul
oNOT about Paul, all about God
oUnsung heroes – People who were regular people, but God used in spectacular ways. God can use us!
• 1 Samuel 14:1-23
oJonathon had a vision of victory in the face of sure defeat. The armor bearer isn’t a voting
member of the team!
oArmor bearer – only two of us against all of them. But faithful to the prince despite the
overwhelming odds
oHow did Israel get in such a mess?
▪ The people’s sin: give us a king; Saul’s sin: offered sacrifices when told to wait
▪ The mess?
• A nation of 2.5 million people, can only muster 600 soldiers and 2 weapons!
• Philistines ravaged the country and controlled everything
• Saul was at Migron All the army was afraid; Army dwindled from 3,000 soldiers to 600
oThe odds:
▪ Jonathon and his armor bearer
▪ Philistine army: 3,000 chariots, 6,000 cavalry, innumerable infantry
• God moves when circumstances seem darkest
oDefinitely a dark period – outnumbered, no weapons, enemy on the high ground
oFaith and a willingness to take a personal risk required
▪ Jonathon was willing – one sword, one servant
▪ Acted in faith: V. 6 Nothing can keep the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.
▪ Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who can be against us?
▪ V. 6 Perhaps the Lord will help us
oArmor bearer (a servant) was ready to go when Jonathon gave the word. Whatever you decide, I’m here. You can count on me! An act of selfless sacrifice and great faith
▪ EVEN IF… This was a terrible plan.
• The battle was decided by God
oJonathon and his servant, hand over hand, uphill against a strong enemy. Killed 20 men in a
half-acre. Doesn’t sound like much. Only a few more thousand to go!
oBut the battle was already decided.
▪ V. 15 Terror
▪ V. 23 So the Lord saved Israel that day
• Jonathon’s servant – a regular guy with a regular job
oFully committed – never wavering
oWherever God leads, I’m with you
oNo matter the odds against success, wherever God leads, I’m here
oThe battle belongs to the Lord