CHILDREN STS VOL 5 LESSON 2 JONATHAN’S EXPLOITS AND SAUL’S FOOLISH OATH
Text: 1 Samuel 14:1-52
Jonathan was a brave, loving and God-fearing son of King Saul. He was also a friend to David, a man after God’s heart. The Lord confirmed His word in Jonathan’s life as he wrought great salvation in Israel. The Bible says, “the name of the LORD is a strong tower …” (Proverbs 18:10). The Lord, indeed, was a tower to Jonathan because he was a righteous man. If you are a child of God and you are doing a great work for Him in this generation, He will surely protect and fight for you as He did in giving victory unto Jonathan.
Do you know that you are more valuable than many sparrows? God is a refuge and fortress for children who put their trust in Him. Make up your mind to live a righteous life and Jesus will empower you to triumph over sin, sickness and Satan all the days of your life.
- JONATHAN’S COURAGE AND FAITH IN GOD:
1 Samuel 14:1-13; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6
The children of Israel were in constant conflict with their neighbours, especially the Philistines. The army that was with Saul were scattered because they were afraid. They had no weapon and also they were few in number. On the other hand, the Philistines were many like the sand by the seashore and had powerful weapons of war.
In the midst of this confusion, discouragement and fear of the enemy, one man stood out. His name was Jonathan, the son of King Saul. Jonathan at this point sought to fight the battle by faith and absolute trust in God. He took his armour bearer (special assistant) and headed for the camp of the Philistines. It was a daring and courageous act for him to go to the camp of the Philistines. He had to climb through thorny and slippery rocks which made the way unsure and difficult. He was very determined and courageous in facing the battle ahead.
Grace is available for every child who willingly surrenders to serve God. Put on the whole armour of God, be bold and courageous. The battle to stand firm in a corrupt world and defend the word of God is on. You will be victorious as you put your trust in God.
- JONATHAN FIGHTS ISRAEL’S BATTLE:
1 Samuel 14:14-16; 2 Chronicles 20:20-23
The entrance of Jonathan and his servant to the Philistine’s camp brought great confusion. God was with them and fought on their behalf. Firstly, Jonathan killed about twenty Philistines. He confessed that, “the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel”. Secondly, the Lord acted on their behalf to cause an earthquake. This resulted into great trembling and fear among the Philistines. There are several other instances where God fought for those who trusted in Him. Examples: (a) Gideon’s 300 soldiers conquered the Midianites (b) Joshua’s army marched round Jericho’s walls and it fell flat (c) David conquered the Philistine’s champion (Goliath the giant) with a stone and a sling.
God is still willing to do miracles and deliver His own children today. In any situation that you find yourself, be it fear of the unknown, failure, sickness, lack, temptation, etc., have faith in God and He will fight for you.
- JONATHAN’S VICTORY AND DELIVERANCE FROM SAUL’S FOOLISH OATH:
1 Samuel 14:17-52; Ephesians 6:10-18
Jonathan’s courage, faith and commitment gave Israel victory over the Philistines. The enemy camp was in disarray; they did not only scatter but turned round and began to destroy one another. This also happened in the time of Jehoshaphat. When they prayed and praised the Lord, all their enemies began to fight one another until they were completely destroyed. The lesson for us to learn here is that, the Israelites defeated the Philistines because God fought for them. They were discouraged, outnumbered and had no weapon. They had no hope of having victory; yet, they won the battle because “the LORD saved Israel that day” (1 Samuel 14:23).
Whenever we are faced with challenges and are unsure of what to do, as children of God, we have the right to call on Him to help us in our time of need. He has promised to be “a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Jonathan had faith and was more courageous than his father, Saul. When Saul pronounced a death sentence on Jonathan as a result of an unnecessary oath, the people rose up to defend him. Let your light shine for everyone to see, so that you can attract sinners to Christ.
If you are a sinner, you cannot have victory over Satan and his agents, neither can your life attract others to Christ. You must repent and then turn from your bad ways. Accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour today.
QUESTIONS:
- Jonathan was a _____, _____ and _____ son of King Saul.
- Mention two important qualities that helped Jonathan to have victory over
the Philistines.
- What happened when Jonathan and his servant entered the camp of the
Philistines?
- The Israelites defeated the Philistines because __________________________
- As children of God, how can we have victory in all circumstances of life?
MEMORY VERSE: “And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him.” (1 Samuel 14:13)
LESSON: Victory is sure for anyone who puts his/her trust in the Lord.
THOUGHT: I will put my trust in the Lord so as to have victory in every area of my life.
ACTIVITY: Search the Scriptures and write out three instances where God miraculously delivered the children of Israel from their enemies.
HOMEWORK: Pray every day of the week for grace to overcome Satan, sin and self.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 100 – CHRIST, OUR MIGHTY CAPTAIN
CHORUSES: (1) I have overcome this day (2) In the Name of Jesus (3) We are able to go up and take the country.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:
- Fortress 2. Garrison 3. Courage 4. Triumph 5. Valuable.
