#1095. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving (9/7/24)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily devotional where we are in our Summer Inspiration series. Today, we reflect on how faith - often imperfect faith - will lead us to attempt difficult things.

To watch this devotional, follow the link below:

https://youtu.be/dY9CEm5usRM

‘Jonathan said to his young armour-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.”’ (1 Samuel‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬)

I love this story of faith. Whilst King Saul, Jonathan’s father is making bad choices, his son, Jonathan, demonstrates true faith.

Jonathan’s daring is driven by faith that nothing can hinder the Lord from saving. He has a vision of God that released him from judging circumstances by his own inadequacies. However, Jonathan is not presumptuous; he says, ‘Perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf.’ His faith that God can do something doesn’t lead him to presume that God will do something! He’s prepared to act without perfect faith. We see the same thing, for example, in the account of Daniel where, even with imperfect faith, they are prepared to risk their lives for God:

‘“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”’ (Daniel 3:17-18)

Daniel 3:17–18

Likewise, none will attempt difficult things for God if we are not prepared to act without complete certainty. If we wait to know that something is definitely going to succeed, I imagine that we will not achieve much!

Do you and I believe that God is omnipotent and merciful - that ‘Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few’? Are we also prepared to show our faith through risky action? Do you feel that God is leading you into a new venture? After prayer and seeking advice are you prepared to act without ‘perfect faith’?

I hope we cans see that true faith will act as Jonathan and his armour bearer do in this account.

We can also apply this story to mission; do we believe that nothing can hinder the Lord from saving? Do we know that there is no one too lost for the gospel? There is no one too hard hearted for the mercy of God! If we believe this, are we prepared to act like Jonathan and his armour bearer and take that next step in faith?