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1 Samuel 14:1:
“One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.1 Samuel 14:7-8
And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” 8 Then Jonathan said, “Behold, we will cross over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them.”
All it takes is one. One friend to provide companionship, one friend to bring you down, one friend to bring you up. The outcome of our life is greatly impacted by those whom we chose to surround ourselves. Psalm 1 begins, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.”
Saul the King surrounded himself with the relatives of the wicked sons of Eli. As a result, his spiritual character had slipped more and more after associating with them. Jonathan, Saul’s son, chose one faithful armor bearer to be around him.This man was even unnamed. Jonathan’s armor bearer was loyal, devoted, and protected Jonathan at all costs. They were comrades, partners in the war effort. Saul’s sketchy band of men leisurely sitting under a pomegranate tree are in stark contrast to Jonathan’s one great armor bearer who never left his side. Jonathan was victorious because of his great friendship and faith in the Lord. Saul had the kingdom taken from him and took his own life.
Are you an armor bearer for someone? Is there someone you stand shoulder to shoulder with in Scripture? Who do you encourage with words of love and devotion to Christ? Text, call or do something for them to celebrate your fellowship. God calls us to community and to share in this journey with Jesus. Have you carefully chosen an armor bearer or two? Your walk with the Lord depends on surrounding yourself with devoted Christ followers. Thank them for walking with you on this journey with Jesus through life’s battles. If you aren’t in a small group and would like to join one, email [email protected] and ask to join a life group, so you don’t have to struggle and fight alone.[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]
By Donna Burns
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