The Impact Of One

The Impact Of One

I Samuel 14:1-23

Alvin York was one of the most decorated soldiers of the U S Army in World War I. During a heated battle 6 soldiers were killed and 3 were injured, after this York found himself in command of the 7 remaining soldiers. Though he did not act alone, his leadership had a tremendous impact on those who were with him. He received the Medal of Honor for leading an attack on a German machine gun nest, taking 32 machine guns, killing 20 German soldiers, and capturing 132 others.

His story proves that one person can have a impact on many others.

Most everyone here knows the name D. L. Moody. But do you know the name Edward Kimball? Without him we may not know the name D.L Moody. Kimball was a salesman who worked at a shoe store in Chicago. He shared the gospel with young Dwight, a fellow salesman. Dwight gave his heart to Jesus Christ, and ultimately went on to be the greatest evangelist of his generation. Through Kimball's faithfulness to share the gospel the Lord reached D. L. Moody, who in turn reached millions.

The Bible is filled with stories where one individual had a positive impact on others. God used one faithful shepherd boy to destroy a giant that intimidated a nation. He used one reluctant servant to deliver His people from the mighty hand of Pharaoh. He used one rebellious preacher to bring revival to Nineveh. He used a great persecutor of the church to reach the Gentiles with the Gospel.

In our text we find one of those occasions where one faithful servant had a tremendous impact. Jonathan stepped out on faith and trusted the Lord. The Israelites were in the midst of a great war. They were outnumbered and overwhelmed and it seemed that defeat was imminent. But Jonathan trusted the Lord and through him the Lord wrought a great victory.

Through his story we see the positive impact that one person can have on others. If you will obey Him, God can use you to have an impact on your family, your community, you church and beyond. I would like to look at this battle and preach on the thought "The Impact Of One". I hope that through this message you will see that you have the opportunity to be used of God in a mighty way. Let's begin by considering:

I. The War (I Samuel 13-14)

The war that is described here is between the Philistines and the Hebrews. In I Samuel 13, Saul choose 3,000 select men from the forces of Israel. Jonathan won a great battle against the Philistines at Geba. This intensified the Philistines hatred of the Israelites. The Philistines gathered an army of 3,000 chariots, 6,000 charioteers, and as many warriors as the grains of sand on the seashore. Many men of Israel became fearful. They hid in caves, holes and cisterns. Others crossed over Jordan and hid in the land of Gad.

Today we find ourselves in the midst of a war. It is a war that has already been won, but the battle rages on. It is a war that began just before Lucifer was cast down from Heaven. It is a war that will continue until he is cast even further down to the Lake of Fire. We can rest assured that the victory is ours. But we still have a responsibility to fight. This battle involves Christian soldiers and a powerful enemy. Like the war between the Hebrews and Philistines our battle is a perpetual one. It seems to be never ending.

Throughout the Bible, God's people were frequently outnumbered. And things are no different today. The battle we fight is not "against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12

- We are truly in the midst of a great war. Let's move a little further and also consider:

II. The Troops - (1 Samuel 14:1-7)

Saul and his troops were encamped at Gibeah. At this point his forces had dwindled from several thousand down to 600. The 600 that remained feared greatly. Then there was Jonathan - v1 Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.

Jonathan had a loyal servant who was his "armor bearer". An "armor bearer" was an officer selected by kings and generals because of loyalty and bravery. He was expected to carry the kings armor and to stand by him in a time of danger. And that is exactly what this man did. Notice his reply to Jonathan in verse 7 -And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.