The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 16 October 2024 — War For Independence
TOPIC: War For Independence
READ: 1 Samuel 13: 1-4 (NKJV)
- Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel,
- Saul chose for himself three thousand [men] of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the mountains of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. The rest of the people he sent away, every man to his tent.
- And Jonathan attacked the garrison of the Philistines that [was] in Geba, and the Philistines heard [of it.] Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear!”
- Now all Israel heard it said [that] Saul had attacked a garrison of the Philistines, and [that] Israel had also become an abomination to the Philistines. And the people were called together to Saul at Gilgal.
THE MESSAGE:
In our text, King Saul raised a standing army of only 3000 men which he divided between himself and his son, Jonathan. Saul camped at Michmash and Jonathan at Geba. Jonathan attacked the Philistines’ outpost which was the beginning of the war for the liberation of Israel. This aggravated the Philistines’ hatred for Israel and Saul called upon other Israelites to join in the battle (v.4). Today, we are similarly oppressed by the enemy in our families, careers, workplaces and nation. God has selected us as the Sauls and Jonathans of our generation to confront and end the oppression of the enemy wherever we are. Note that the ‘Philistines’ domination will continue if not challenged. However, long standing oppressions cannot be handled alone; it needs mentorship of a select few to share and accept the vision before action, like Saul did before inviting other Israelites to battle.
Jonathan the son of Saul was also trained as a warrior who could succeed without the supervision of his father – a great lesson for parents and Christian leaders. The question is, have we trained those under us to become spiritual warriors so that they can occupy for God even in our absence? Summon courage today like Jonathan to rise up against the oppressions of the enemy where you are. We are sure of victory through the name of Jesus Christ (Galatians 5: 1).
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please grant us victory over all forms of oppression.
