“By Few or By Many” — Courageous Faith in a Hesitant Age

Reflections from 1 Samuel 14

Dear Church Family,

As I’ve been meditating on 1 Samuel 14, I was struck afresh by the contrast between Saul, the king of Israel, and Jonathan, his son. While Saul sits under a pomegranate tree with six hundred men doing nothing (v.2), Jonathan quietly turns to his armor-bearer and suggests a bold move: “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few” (v.6).

This chapter offers more than just a gripping story of military courage. It presents a portrait of living faith, not just in words, but in action.

1. Faith Acts When Others Wait

Jonathan doesn’t wait for the stars to align. He doesn’t ask for a committee vote. He simply knows the character of his God and takes initiative. He says, “Perhaps the Lord will act…” not because he doubts God, but because he refuses to presume. His faith is bold yet humble, he believes the Lord is able, even though he doesn’t claim to know how or when.

In times of spiritual stagnation, whether in our own lives or in our church, it’s easy to retreat into comfort or to wait passively. But 1 Samuel 14 reminds us that God honors faith that moves. Not reckless faith, but responsive faith, faith that trusts God to do what only He can do.

2. We Need More Armor-Bearers

Jonathan’s unnamed armor-bearer replies: “Do all that is in your heart. I am with you heart and soul” (v.7). What a gift loyal and faith-filled companions are in gospel work. No local church thrives because of one man’s courage, it thrives when the body supports, believes, and moves together.

As we look to the future of our church, I thank God for those who are “with us heart and soul.” But we pray for more. We need more who say, “I’m with you. Let’s advance. Let’s trust God together.” God uses partnerships of faith to stir revival in the life of a church.

3. Don’t Confuse Religious Zeal with Wisdom

While Jonathan is trusting and bold, Saul is reactionary and religious in all the wrong ways. He makes a rash vow that no one should eat until evening (v.24), placing burdens on his soldiers that God never intended. When Jonathan unknowingly violates the vow by tasting honey, Saul is ready to kill him to protect his own authority.

What a warning this is for leadership. When leaders stop walking closely with God, they often substitute real spiritual vitality with rigid rules or performative piety. May we never be so committed to appearances or human strategies that we lose sight of what God is actually doing in our midst.

4. The Battle Belongs to the Lord

Jonathan’s words in verse 6 should ring in our ears: “Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” The victory in this chapter didn’t rest on numbers, influence, or even strategy. It rested on the sovereign hand of God, who delights to use weak people who trust in Him.

Pineland Baptist does not move forward by might, wealth, or prestige, but by the power of God. That power may come through two faithful friends taking a step of faith. It may come through a quiet conversation over coffee. It may come through persistent prayer and unseen obedience.

Let us not be like Saul, content to sit in the shade of inactivity. Let us be like Jonathan, alert, trusting, courageous, willing to act, even if it feels small or uncertain.

As we consider the future of our church, let’s ask:

• Where have we been passive when the Lord might be calling us to act?
• What bold step of faith might God be putting before you, your family, or our congregation?
• How can you be an armor-bearer to someone else, to encourage and walk alongside them?

Brothers and sisters, God still works. And He delights to work by few or by many. Let us be found faithful, not in clinging to comfort, but in trusting His power, taking wise initiative, and encouraging one another in the work.

With love and anticipation,
Pastor Tyrell