WE WILL NOT ALLOW JONATHAN TO DIE – Day 39

Text: 1 SAMUEL 14:1-52

Memory Verse: And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this greater salvation in Israel? God forbid: as the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not (1 Samuel 14:45)

Message: As children of God we must be very careful not to be legalistic or be controlled by the law or legalism. Jonathan would have died as a result of such legalistic decision by his father, Saul. They were on the battlefield and they needed to eat to sustain themselves and have sufficient strength to fight the enemies. It was at this point that Saul made a draconic and inconsiderate law, that no one should take anything. “And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food” (1 Samuel 14:24). Saul did not only forbid them from eating but went ahead to place curses on anyone that eat anything. Jonathan was able to destroy so many of the enemies because he took a little honey. Some of the warriors became extremely tired and they killed oxen and calves and ate them with the blood. When Saul discovered, he purposed to slay Jonathan but the people did not allow Saul to kill him because of what he has done for them. He had fought with all his strength and destroyed the enemies. We need to show gratitude to people who have helped us in one way or another by refusing to allow them go through some pains or ordeals. The people acknowledged and appreciated the impact of Jonathan as they purposed with all their hearts never to allow him to die. Beloved, do you really know the present situation of some who have helped you in time past?

Wisdom Nugget: Never allow the kindness of others towards you to be in vain.

Prayer Point: Father, help me to pay back and help me to reciprocate the good deeds of others toward me in Jesus name.