Here I am with you – Preaching
Preaching Outline on 1 Samuel 14:6-7 – “Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore the armor, ‘Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; peradventure the Lord will work for us, for there is no hindrance to the Lord to deliver with many or with few. Then his armorbearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart; come back, here I am with you according to your heart.”
Introduction to I Samuel 14:6-7
The story of Jonathan and his armorbearer teaches us profound lessons about faith, courage, obedience and spiritual partnership. The setting in which this narrative takes place is challenging: the people of Israel were facing the Philistines, a numerous and heavily armed enemy, while Israel was weak, disarmed and discouraged.
However, in the midst of the crisis, Jonathan emerged as an example of faith. He understood that victory does not depend on human resources, but on God’s sovereignty and power. This truth echoes throughout the Bible: God doesn’t need large armies or human power to act. He seeks hearts that are willing and ready to trust him.
In this text, we also meet another important character: the armor bearer. His attitude of readiness and submission to leadership teaches us about faithfulness, stewardship and the role of instrumentality in God’s work.
Let’s think about it!
The context of the people: a situation of impossibility
Israel was in a desperate situation. They were outnumbered and without adequate weaponry. Discouragement reigned, and the expectation of victory seemed non-existent.
This reminds us that we often face situations that, to the human eye, are impossible. The challenges can seem insurmountable, whether in our spiritual or emotional lives or even in our daily struggles.
However, Israel’s victory over the Philistines teaches us that God does not depend on our conditions to act. He is sovereign and can work miracles, even in the most unlikely situations. As the psalmist says: “Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we will make mention of the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7).
Spiritual stewardship: “The young man who carried the weapons”
The figure of the armorbearer teaches us about spiritual stewardship. He wasn’t the main warrior, but he had the responsibility of looking after Jonathan’s weapons, making sure they were in good condition.
This reminds us that God has entrusted us with “spiritual weapons” for the battle against sin and the spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians 6:11-17). Like the armor bearer, we must take care of these weapons with zeal and fidelity:
- The Word of God: It is the sword of the Spirit. We must know it and use it wisely.
- Prayer: It is the means by which we communicate with God and seek his strategies.
- Faith: It is the shield that protects us from the onslaught of the enemy.
We are stewards of these tools, and our duty is to use them for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.
The call to action: “Come, let’s go to the garrison”
When Jonathan said, “Come, let us go to the garrison,” he was calling the armor bearer to courageous and faith-filled action. He knew there were obstacles to overcome, but he trusted that God would guarantee victory.
This expression reminds us of God’s call to each one of us. He invites us to move forward, even in the face of difficulties and uncertainties. God’s call demands:
- Faith: We need to trust that God is with us, even when the challenges seem too great.
- Obedience: We must follow the Lord promptly, even if we don’t understand all the details of his plan.
- Courage: Like Jonathan, we are called to face the “giants” on our journey, certain that God will fight for us.
God’s sovereignty: “With many or with few”
Jonathan declared: “There is no hindrance to the Lord to deliver with many or with few.” This phrase is a demonstration of absolute trust in God’s sovereignty.
This truth is reaffirmed throughout the Bible: God does not depend on numbers, resources or human abilities. He uses the weak, the unlikely and the small to manifest his glory.
- Gideon defeated an army of thousands with only 300 men (Judges 7).
- David, a young shepherd, defeated the giant Goliath with a simple sling (1 Samuel 17).
- Jesus fed a crowd with five loaves of bread and two fish (John 6:9-13).
Victory is not in the amount of resources, but in the presence of God.
Fidelity and submission: “Here I am with you”
The weapons officer’s response was an act of fidelity and submission: “Here I am with you, according to your heart.” This attitude teaches us about our role in God’s work:
- Availability: Like the page-at-arms, we need to be available to serve God and people.
- Submission to the Holy Spirit: The page trusted in Jonathan’s leadership. In the same way, we must trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who guides us in all things (John 16:13).
- Spiritual partnership: No one fights alone. Just as Jonathan had his armor bearer, we are also called to be spiritual partners, supporting each other on the journey of faith.
Jesus Christ: the greatest example of obedience
When we look at the phrase “Do whatever is in your heart”, we are reminded of Jesus, who came into the world to fulfill the Father’s plan. He said: “I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me” (John 6:38).
Jesus put into practice humanity’s greatest salvation project. He faced the cross with obedience, saying: “Father, if you are willing, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
In the same way, we are called to say, “Here I am, Lord!” and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.
Conclusion of I Samuel 14:6-7
The story of Jonathan and the armorbearer teaches us about faith, obedience, courage and fidelity. Just as Jonathan trusted that God could win “with many or with few”, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty in our daily struggles.
And, like the coat of arms, we must say to the Lord: “Here I am with you, according to your heart.”
- Trust in God’s power, even in the most difficult situations.
- Be faithful in the little things that God has placed in your hands.
- Be willing to obey and walk with God, saying: “Here I am.”
May this be our prayer: “Lord, here I am with you, ready to do your will!”
Preaching Outline on 1 Samuel 14:6-7 – “Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore the armor, ‘Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; peradventure the Lord will work for us, for there is no hindrance to the Lord to deliver with many or with few. Then his armorbearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart; come back, here I am with you according to your heart.”
More Preaching Outlines
- Genesis 22:1-5 – And he saw the place from afar
- Jonathan and David – 1 Samuel 18:1-4
- Jesus in the crucifixion prophecy – Genesis 22:11-12
