The honey that gives strength – Preaching
Preaching Outline on I Samuel 14:27 – “But Jonathan had not heard when his father adjured the people with an oath: therefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb; and he put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes were dim.”
Introduction to I Samuel 14:27
Imagine yourself in the middle of an exhausting struggle. Your body tired, your mind weary, your strength sapped. That’s exactly how we find Jonathan in this text. He was fighting alongside the Israelite army, facing powerful enemies, and probably feeling the weight of exhaustion. But at a crucial moment, he comes across a honeycomb. When he tastes the honey, something extraordinary happens: his eyes light up and he is refreshed.
This small act by Jonathan teaches us a profound lesson about how we can find the strength to continue our journey. This honey can be seen as a metaphor for the Word of God, which restores, enlightens and renews our strength when we are worn down by life. Today, we want to reflect on how the Word of God acts as the “spiritual honey” that sustains and strengthens us.
Honey that restores strength
Jonathan was physically exhausted. He had spent hours fighting, facing adversity and taking risks. When he tasted the honey, his energy was renewed. That’s how we are too. Life often wears us down. Daily struggles – problems at work, family difficulties, illnesses, frustrations – can leave us discouraged and without strength.
But just as honey restored Jonathan, the Word of God has the power to restore us. It is like a balm for the weary soul. The psalmist declares: “The law of the Lord is perfect, and it refreshes the soul.” (Psalm 19:7). When we read the Bible, we find comfort, encouragement and the strength to keep going.
The honey of renewed hope
We remember times when we felt defeated by pain, when a promise or verse brought consolation. The Word restores our strength like invigorating honey. That honey not only restored Jonathan, but all those with him who tasted the honey were also restored.
The guiding light on the dark path
When Jonathan tasted the honey, his vision was enlightened. In the same way, the Bible dispels darkness and shows us God’s hand. Without it, we would be blinded by difficulties, only seeing problems where there are solutions. Psalm 119 reminds us that it is a beacon on a dark night.
The food that strengthens the weary soul
The honey satisfied Jonathan’s physical hunger and nourished his body. Likewise, the Word sustains our soul, strengthening us for challenges. When we feel defeated, it renews our hope and guides us to the right path, feeding us with promises of victory.
Jesus said in Matthew 4:4: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Just as the body needs daily nourishment, the human soul also needs to be fed by the divine Word. Without this spiritual nourishment, we become vulnerable to the cunning devices of our enemies.
How is your “spiritual diet”? Are you feeding your soul with the Gospel day after day? Or do you intend to survive on human strength alone, relying solely on earthly bread? The Bible is the sustenance that strengthens faith and infuses courage to face the struggles.
Jonathan felt his spirits waning, but the honey renewed him. How many times have we experienced such weariness, fatigued, hopeless, thinking that we won’t be able to persevere? Perhaps you’re going through a trial right now: difficulties at work, an emotional dispute, an apparently incurable illness.
But God’s Word is the solution. It brings confidence, joy and peace. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” When we draw near to the Lord and meditate on His message, He renews our strength and gives us the courage to carry on.
Remember David, surrounded by enemies and persecution, who declared: “For you are my rock and my fortress; therefore for your name’s sake you will lead me and guide me.” (Psalm 31:3). He found strength and consolation in God’s promises. In the same way, we can find renewal in the “spiritual honey” of the Word.
Conclusion of I Samuel 14:27
The Word of God, like honey for Jonathan, is essential for us in our moments of weakness and need. It renews our strength like honey illuminates the eyes and nourishes the soul, bringing encouragement and energy to carry on. We cannot underestimate the transforming power that the Bible exerts in our lives by sustaining and guiding us.
We need to feast on her daily, stretching out our hands to her spiritual wisdom so that we can shine with her light and have our energy renewed. May she be our sustenance and joy at every moment of our journey.
May God bless each one of us as we seek His Word and surrender to His power to be transformed. Amen!
More Preaching Outlines
- The one by the fountain – Genesis 16:7
- 1 Samuel 30:11-13 – The abandoned man
- Jonathan and David – 1 Samuel 18:1-4
