The Elbert County tribune., 1915-03-19

rity his charge to the Israelites, Coos
testimony of displeasure over their
persistent desire to have a king. and
Samueis words of comfort and as
surance as found in chapter IL. form
an interesting connection with last
Sundays lesson. In chapter 12 we
have the record of Israel again in dis
tress and of Saul's folly in his assum-
Ing the priestly office wv. 10, 14).
l. saui's Distress, w. ~. That
Saul's disobedience, Just indicated. had
incurred Gods displeasure. we know.
II evidently had its effect upon the
people also, for his army had dwindled
during the intervening fifteen or eight.
a feeble 600 ". p. They were further
handicapped by a 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 '1n the uttermost
part of Gibeah" hiding under pome-
granate tree (see w. IL, % and 1870.
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 OF
worship. This priest is not referred to
as Jehovah's. He was a grandson OF
Phinehas, one of Ellis wicked sons,
and as such was not to be successor
in the high priests office (ch. 40.
36). Such an outward form of dead
works" cannot take the place of a liv.
Ing faith. For Saul to consult the OF.
acle of the Urim 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 Saul's conduct Chapters 12.
13) are an indication OF his character
and emphasize the psalmist's words
as found in Ps. 119: IL. 105.
II. Jonathan's Victory, w. Alb. But
God had one leader to whom he could
speak, Jonathan, wha 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
a brave deed, and an evidence of that
triumphant faith shown so clearly IL
Jonathan's dealings with David. There
seems to be a suggestion that iona
than had lost confidence in his ia
ther, for neither he nor the peopl,
knew where Jonathan had gone
Verses and vividly picture tn
nature of the location wherein iona
than undertook this feat. JonathaL
clearly counted upon the fieshly GOV
enant sign as ground upon which tt
expect help and victory over his enc
mics, who lacked such a sign ". 6)
The army OF the Philistines had been
divided into three sections (Ch. 13:
10, and this gave Jonathan his op
portunity. The garrison at Michmasb
was on the opposite side of the ra
vine from Geba. Saurs headquarters
Hidden by the cliffs 1t was quite easy
to approach the Philistines. 1t is ar
interesting and enlightening conversa
ton recorded as ensuing on that jour
ney.
Jonathan--It may be that the Lord
will work for us; for there is no re
straint to the Lord to save by many OF
by few ". g..
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 I!
and 10 was real one and reve
lation of Jonathan's 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.
Todsy'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 fash in lifes 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