Courage in the Gap – Jonathan’s Bold Faith
May 21, 2025
Dr. Bradford Reaves
Crossway Christian Fellowship
1 Samuel 14
There are moments in life—and in faith—when staying still becomes the greater risk—when the safety of inaction leads to spiritual stagnation, missed opportunity, or even disobedience. But here’s the tension we must wrestle with before we move forward: How do we know when to wait on God—and when to act in faith? That question has echoed across generations. The answers aren’t always easy. But those who’ve walked faithfully before us offer wisdom we’d be wise to remember:
Oswald Chambers: “Trust God, and do the next thing.” Sometimes, obedience doesn’t wait for certainty. It simply does what faith knows to do next.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: “Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.” Faith doesn’t always wait for clarity—it moves when it hears the call.
Corrie ten Boom: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Bold faith doesn’t require full understanding—just full surrender.
A.W. Tozer: “God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible. What a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.” Fear plans within comfort. Faith moves where only God can sustain.
The Man in the Red Bandana
On September 11, 2001, as smoke and chaos engulfed the South Tower of the World Trade Center, Welles Crowther, 24, faced one of those moments. He was an equities trader by professio —but a trained volunteer firefighter at heart. When the first plane hit, Welles could’ve waited. He could’ve evacuated. But something in him said: “If I don’t move, people will die.” So he grabbed a red bandana—his signature—and ran into the smoke. Survivors recall him calmly guiding them, carrying some down 17+ flights. He didn’t just go in once—he went back again and again, saving at least 18 lives. He died when the tower collapsed—but not before choosing courage over comfort and sacrifice over safety. His family had no idea… until months later, when stories surfaced of “a man in a red bandana” who kept coming back for more.
From Stairwells to Hillsides – 1 Samuel 14
That’s the kind of holy tension we find in 1 Samuel 14. Saul was sitting under a pomegranate tree—paralyzed by fear, clinging to status, watching the situation deteriorate. But Jonathan? Like Welles, he moved. He didn’t wait for perfect odds or permission. He simply said: “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 isn’t about tactics. It’s about courage under pressure, and the boldness to act when others sit still in fear.
Some of the greatest acts of faith happen in smoky stairwells and uphill climbs. Not when you have clarity, but when you have conviction. Not when you know what God will do, but when you know who He is. So let me ask you: Are you sitting under the pomegranate tree? Or are you picking up your red bandana?
I. Jonathan’s Bold Faith Initiates Action (vv. 1–14)
1 One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. 2 Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah in the pomegranate cave at Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men, 3 including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone. 4 Within the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side and a rocky crag on the other side. The name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba. 6 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “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.”
7 And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” 8 Then Jonathan said, “Behold, we will cross over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them. 9 If they say to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stand still in our place, and we will not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the Lord has given them into our hand. And this shall be the sign to us.”
11 So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, “Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.” 12 And the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor-bearer and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you a thing.” And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come up after me, for the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.” 13 Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him. 14 And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land.
The Cave of the Pomegranate Tree
Saul is sitting under a pomegranate tree in Migron. That sounds poetic—until you realize what it represents: passivity in a time of battle. While the enemy controls the land and the people tremble, the king is parked in a place of safety, doing nothing.
Look at who is with Saul “Among the people was Ahijah, son of Ahitub, brother of Ichabod…” Ahijah comes from the same failed priestly line that produced Eli, Hophni, and Phinehas. And it reminds us of Ichabod—whose name means “The glory has departed.” So what do we see here? Saul is not just sitting still physically—he’s surrounded by reminders spiritual apathy. He’s clinging to titles, symbols, and remnants of what used to be—not what God is doing now.
When we surround ourselves with voices that reflect old systems, broken patterns, or compromised faith, we get stuck. Are we listening to Ichabod’s echo—or God’s next move? When you surround yourself with echoes of Ichabod, don’t be surprised when the glory feels distant. You’ll never step into your calling while you’re still seeking counsel from broken patterns.” Saul had Ichabod’s nephew in his camp—Jonathan had God in his heart.
Jonathan’s Courageous Initiative (v. 6)
Jonathan breaks away and says: “It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” This is not reckless arrogance—it’s humble, God-centered courage: He acknowledges God’s sovereignty: “It may be… He declares God’s power: “Nothing can hinder the Lord…” Jonathan isn’t acting in emotion—he’s acting in confidence rooted in God’s character.
There are moments when we must move, not because we’re certain of the outcome, but because we’re confident in who God is. What’s the difference between bold faith and reckless presumption?
Faith That Inspires (v. 7)
His armor-bearer doesn’t say, “Are you crazy?” He says: “Do all that is in your heart… I am with you heart and soul.” True faith is contagious. Jonathan’s trust creates a ripple of courage in someone else. Who in your life has inspired your faith by stepping out? And who might be watching you for the same reason?
Testing and Trusting (vv. 8–10)
Jonathan lays out a clear test—if the Philistines respond one way, they’ll retreat; if another, they’ll know the Lord has given them into their hands. This is not superstition—it’s discernment. They are seeking confirmation before stepping fully into the fight.
1 John 4:1 – “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God…”
Bold faith still seeks God’s leading. It doesn’t charge ahead blindly—it watches for signs, checks alignment, and moves only when confirmed.
Faith Produces Results (vv. 11–14)
And then—action. Jonathan climbs. They attack. God responds. “And there was a panic in the camp… and the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic.” (v. 15). The whole momentum of the battle shifts—not because of an army, but because faith moved first. One act of obedient faith can trigger a supernatural breakthrough. Faith that moves heaven often starts with two people who say, “Let’s go.”
What’s stopping you from saying, “Let’s go,” even when you don’t know what the outcome will be?
Who’s watching your courage to see if their own faith will rise?
II. God Honors Faith, Not Numbers (vv. 15–23)
15 And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic. 16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there. 17 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 18 So Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God went at that time with the people of Israel. 19 Now while Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” 20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every Philistine’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. 21 Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time and who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle. 23 So the Lord saved Israel that day. And the battle passed beyond Beth-aven.
Faith in God Shakes the Enemy
The faith of two men triggered a divine earthquake. No army. No strategy. Just obedience and courage. While Saul and 600 trained soldiers sat under a tree, Jonathan’s trust was enough for God to send shockwaves into the enemy’s camp. What if the breakthrough you’re praying for hinges on one obedient act of faith?
Saul Notices Something—But He’s More Concerned About Control
“Call the roll… Bring the ark…” Saul wants to know who moved without his say-so. Who’s going to get the credit for something he should? He wants to appear spiritual, but he’s missing what God is already doing. Saul doesn’t celebrate the move of God—he tries to regain control. When you’re more concerned with who’s getting credit or your own plans, than what God is doing, you’re leading in the flesh, not the Spirit.
Saul is a leader more interested in optics than obedience. Saul wants the ark brought forward—like a spiritual showpiece—but then cuts off the priest mid-prayer when the noise from the battlefield forces his hand. Do we start praying when we should be obeying? There are times when we should grab our sword and join the fight.
III. Rash Leadership vs. Spirit-Led Action (vv. 24–46)
24 And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.” So none of the people had tasted food. 25 Now when all the people came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground. 26 And when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright. 28 Then one of the people said, “Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the man who eats food this day.’ ” And the people were faint. 29 Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. For now the defeat among the Philistines has not been great.” 31 They struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very faint. 32 The people pounced on the spoil and took sheep and oxen and calves and slaughtered them on the ground. And the people ate them with the blood. 33 Then they told Saul, “Behold, the people are sinning against the Lord by eating with the blood.” And he said, “You have dealt treacherously; roll a great stone to me here.” 34 And Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, ‘Let every man bring his ox or his sheep and slaughter them here and eat, and do not sin against the Lord by eating with the blood.’ ” So every one of the people brought his ox with him that night and they slaughtered them there. 35 And Saul built an altar to the Lord; it was the first altar that he built to the Lord. 36 Then Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light; let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” But the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” 37 And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?” But he did not answer him that day. 38 And Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today. 39 For as the Lord lives who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. 40 Then he said to all Israel, “You shall be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.” 41 Therefore Saul said, “O Lord God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If this guilt is in me or in Jonathan my son, O Lord, God of Israel, give Urim. But if this guilt is in your people Israel, give Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. 42 Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was taken. 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die.” 44 And Saul said, “God do so to me and more also; you shall surely die, Jonathan.” 45 Then the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it! As the Lord lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people ransomed Jonathan, so that he did not die. 46 Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.
III. Rash Leadership vs. Spirit-Led Action (vv. 24–46)
After God brings victory through Jonathan, Saul makes a rash and foolish vow: “Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening, and I am avenged on my enemies.” (v. 24) Thi s is Control Masquerading as Leadership Saul had just been outflanked by Jonathan’s faith. He wasn’t leading the charge—he was reacting to it. So what does he do? He reasserts control the only way he knows how: through a command. This was all about regaining grip.
Jonathan, unaware of the vow, eats honey and is renewed in strength. When Saul finds out, he’s ready to kill his own son to preserve his image and oath. The people intervene, defending Jonathan and stopping Saul’s madness. Control derails spiritual momentum. Saul’s oath wasn’t from God—it was from pride.
Legalism exhausts the people of God. Saul prioritized “I must be avenged” over “God must be glorified.” That’s what happens when man’s preference replaces God’s presence. Charisma without character leads to chaos.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, give us the heart of Jonathan—humble, bold, and obedient. Help us not to wait for ideal circumstances, but to trust You enough to act. May we lead with faith and follow with courage, knowing You are not hindered by odds or numbers, but moved by trust. In Jesus’ name, amen.
