The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1915-03-19

testimony OF nlspleasue over Cn0il
persistent desire to have king, and
Samuel's words of comfort and as
surance as found in chapter IL, form
an interesting connection with last
Sundays lesson. In chapter IL we
have the record Of Israel again In dis
tress and of Saurs folly in his assum-
ing the priestly Office wv. 10, 14).
|. SauI's 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. 11:8) to
a feeble 600 ". ~. They were further
handicapped by lack of weapons
(ch 13:19-23). 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 Gibeah" hiding under a pome-
granate tree (see Wv. II, 22 and 1851
This may refer to his being at Rimmon
Judges 20:43-47). In this retirement
Saul retains Ahiah ". 81 as priest,
thus keeping up the outward form or
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 successor
in the high priests office (ch. 2:S0-
36). Such an outward form Of dead
works" cannot take the place OF a hV-
ing faith. For Saul to consult the or
acle of the Trim and Thummim worn
by the priest and later to call up IA
miliar spirits, shows his lack Of spir-
itual apprehension. The references
made to Sauls conduct Chapters IL,
13) are an indication Of his character
and emphasize the psalmists words
as found in Ps. 1911, los.
II. Jonathan's Victory, w. 4-13. 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. It was
a 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
Their, for neither he nor the people
knew where Jonathan had gone.
Verses and 5 wildly 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 enc
mics, who lacked such a sign ". g..
The army of the Philistines had been
divided into three sections (Ch. ID:
~, and this gave Jonathan his OPP
portunity. The garrison at Michmash
was on the opposite side Of the ra-
vine from Geba, Saul's headquarters.
| Hidden by the cliffs 1t was quite easy
to approach the Philistines. 1t is an
interesting and enlightening converse
ton recorded as ensuing on that jour
ney.
Jonathan-It may be that the Lord
will work for u.s. for there Is no re-
straint to the Lord to save by many or
by few ". 81.
Armorbearer-Do all that is in thine
heart; behold am with thee.
Jonathan-We will pass .
over, and will discover ourselves.
The test, as recorded in verses 8
and 10 was real one and reve'
lation of Jonathans shrewdness. Not
to be invited up by the Philistines
would suggest desire they may have
had to cover up any weakness. To be
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-
ton. Courage is only of value, how
ever, when based upon much training,
devotion to God, the interests of 9th
ers, and clear vision. 1t is not a
mere flash in life's pathway. Courage
is contagious; Jonathan's feat set on
fire the soul of nation. Read again
the roll of honor in the eleventh chap
ter Of Hebrews. The highest courage
is not physical but moral. This cour'
age is open to all, but 1t is intelligent
ly grounded upon Gods sure revela'
ton 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
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
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