The Green Forest tribune., 1915-03-19

Samuefs review of his life of integ- rity, his charge to the Israelites, Gods testimony of displeasure over their persistent desire to have a king, and Samuel's words of comfort and as surance as found in chapter 12, form an interesting connection with last Sundays lesson. In chapter 13 we have the record of Israel again in dis tress and of Sauls folly in his assum- ing the priestly office (vv. 13, 1Q.
 l. Saups Distress, w. IA. That Sauls disobedience, just indicated, had incurred Gods displeasure, we know. It evidently had it's effect upon the people also, for his army had dwindled during the intervening fifteen or eight cen years, from 330, ,000 (ch. 11:S) to a feeble 600 (v. 9. They were further handicapped by lack of weapons (ch. 13: 19-23). Deserted by Jehovah, by Samuel, JeEovah's priest, and by nearly all of his enthusiastic subjects (see 11:12) Saul was "in the uttermost part of Gibeah" hiding under pome- granate tree (see w. II, 22 and 13:6) This may refer to his being at Rimmon (Judges 20:43-47). In this retirement Saul retains Ahiah (v 3 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, nd tN ho in the high priests office (ch. 2:30- 36). Such an outward form of dead works" cannot take the place of a liv- ing faith. For Saul to consult the or acle of the trim and Thummim worn by the priest and later to call up fa- miliar spirits, shows his lack of spir- itual apprehension The references made to Sauls conduct Chapters IF, 13) are an indication of his character and emphasize the psalmist's words as found in Ps. 119:11, 105.
 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 brave deed, and an evidence of that triumphant faith shown so clearly in Jonathan's dealings with David. TheFe seems to be suggestion that Jona- than had lost confidence in his fa- ther, for neither he nor the people lr, 1,oI Verses 4 and vividly picture the nature of the location wherein Jona- than undertook this feat Jonathan clearly counted upon the fleshly cov- enant sign as ground upon which to expect help and victory over his ene- mics, who lacked such sign (y. 0. The army of the Philistines had been divided into three sections (Ch. IS: ID, and this gave Jonathan his op- portunity The garrison at Michmash was on the opposite side of the ra- vine from Geba, SauTs headquarters. Hidden by the cliffs it was quite easy to approach the Philistines. It is an interesting and enlightening conversa- tion 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 or by few (v. O..
 Armorbearer-Do all that is in thine heart; behold I am with thee.
 Jonathan-We will pass .. over, and will discover ourselves.
 The test, as recorded in verses 9 and 10 was real one and a 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.
 Today's Message. Two young men of faith saved nation sunk in despair and disgrace. They inspired confi- 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- tion. Courage is only of value, how ever, when based upon much training, devotion to God, the interests of oth- CTS, and a clear vision. It is not 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 it is intelligent ly grounded upon Gods sure revela- 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 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- cause their hearts are pure.p Such