The Tulsa star. [volume] (Tulsa, Okla.) 1913-1921, 1915-03-20

Samuel's review OF his life OF integ' |
rity. his charge to the lsraelites, Gods |
testimony of displeasure over their |
persistent desire to have a king. and |
Samuels words of comfort and as
surance as found in chapter II, form
an interesting connection with last |
Sundays lesson. In chapter 13 we
have the record of Israel again in dis |
tress and of Saul's folly in his assum'
Ing the priestly office (vv. 10, 1D.
|. Saurs Distress, w. IA. That
Saul's disobedience. just indicated had
incurred Gods displeasure, We know.
1t evidently had its effect upon the
people also, for his army had dwindled
during the intervening fifteen or eight
cen years. from 100000 (ch 11:S) to
a feeble coo ". 2). They we're further
handicapped by a lack Of weapons
(ch 10: 1929. Deserted by Jehovah,
by Samuel. Jehovah's priest, and by
nearly all OF his enthusiastic subjects
(see 11:12) Saul was "in the uttermost
part of Giheah" hiding under a pome-
granate tree (see w. II. % and 1850
This may refer to his being at Rimmon
Judges 2O:43-40. In this retirement
Saul retains Ahiah w. 81 as priest.
thus keeping up the outward form OF
worship. This priest is not referred to
as Jehovah's. He was a grandson OF
Phinehas, one of ELS wicked sons.
and as such was not to be n successor
in the high priests office (ch. 2:30-
36). Such an outward form Of dead
works" cannot take the place OF liv-
Ing faith. For Saul TO consult the or
hcle OF the Urim and Thummim worn
by the priest and later to call up IA
miliar spirits, shows his lack OF spir-
ltual apprehension. The references
made to Saurs conduct (chapters IL,
I3) are an indication OF his character
and emphasize the psalmists words
ls found in Ps. 1911. 105.
~ lonathan's Victory, w. 413. But
God had one leader to whom he could
speak, Jonathan. who is one of the
finest and most attractive characters
In the whole Bible. This episode is
among the most brilliant in the his
tory of the Israelitish nation. 1t was
q brave deed, and an evidence of that
triumphant faith shown so clearly in
Jonathan's dealings with David. There
seems to be a suggestion that Jona-
than had lost confidence in his ia.
ther, for neither he nor the people
knew where Jonathan had gone.
Verses 4 and vividly picture the
nature OF the location wherein Jona-
than undertook this feat. Jonathan
clearly counted upon the fleshly COW
enant sign as ground upon which to
expect help and victory over his ene-
mics. who lacked such a sign ". g..
, The army of the Philistines had been
J divided into three sections (Ch. 13:
|. 10, and this gave Jonathan his OPP
portunity. The garrison at Michmash
! was on the opposite side of the ra-
vine from Geba, Sauls headquarters.
) Hidden by the cliffs It was quite easy
TO approach the Philistines. II is an
, Interesting and enlightening converse
tion recorded as ensuing on that Jour
ney.
, Jonathan-1t may be that the Lord
!. will work for us; for there is no re-
straint to the Lord to save by many or
by few ". g..
Armorbearer-Do all that is in thine
I heart; behold am with thee.
I Jonathan-We will pass
Z over and will discover ourselves.
The test, as recorded in verses 3
and 10 was real one and reve-
lation OF Jonathan's shrewdness. Not
A to be invited up by the Philistines
would suggest desire they may have
. had to cover up any weakness. To be
A asked to come" suggests their self
confidence.
Today's Message. Two young men
!, OF faith saved nation sunk in despair
and disgrace. They inspired conf
dence in God and his promises. Youth
{ for battles. old age for counsel" but
there are times that demand action
: more than conference and considera-
4 tion. Courage is only of value. how
ever, when based upon much training.
devotion to God, the interests OF 9TH
ers, and a clear vision. 1t Is not a
mere flash in life's pathway. Courage
/ is contagious; Jonathan's feat set on
| fire the soul OF a nation. Read again
/ the roll OF honor in the eleventh chap
l ter OF Hebrews. The highest courage
| is not physical but moral This cour-
| age is open to all. but It is intelligent
ly grounded upon Gods sure revela'
i tion in his word and in the person OF
| his Son, our Lord And his armor-
bearer after him"
Jonathan did not go alone. On the
| other hand It is not probable this young
lad would have gone up those rocks
had not Jonathan led the way; be-
cause one went before him, he was
able to scale the fortress. God alone
l knows the heights to which we may
| attain. but does not ask us to go alone
nor expect us to do the impossible
| The greatest heroes are not military
| they are Christian heroes, who put
on the Christian armor and whose
Strength is the strength of ten be