I love the multi-faceted gem that is God’s word, and how it never ceases to offer new insights into stories that have been read again and again. This week, I was reminded of a verse in 1 Samuel 14 that spoke deeply to me 20 years ago as I prepared to leave a full-time (paid) staff position at a church to step into a new season as a full-time (but unpaid) traveling preacher. I’m including what I wrote then in its entirety to add the context for the new light the Holy Spirit is shining on it for me now.
Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf.” (1 Samuel 14:6, emphasis mine)
Every so often I run across words and phrases in the Bible that jump out at me and scream, “HEY! LOOK AT ME!” This verse has one. But before we get to it, let me ask you a question: do you like to take risks? In fairness, some of us are a lot more willing to take risks than others. For some of you, ordering a different dish off the menu at your favorite restaurant is about as risky as you care to be. For others, you’re ready to jump out of the airplane without checking to see if your chute is even packed correctly.
