By many or by few

Then Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, "Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the LORD will work for us. For nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few." So his armorbearer said to him, "Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according to your heart." - 1 Samuel 14v6-7

This passage will always be special to me. During the real slow discouraging days the Lord used several passages to speak to my heart about His work. This was one of those key passages that came at just the right moment.

Saul and about 600 men were camped at making no moves toward dealing with the Philistines. Jonathan decided that something had to be done so he took his armour bearer and headed toward the enemy. Jonathan and were successful in their attempt because Jonathan knew that the Lord would fight for them.

The encouraging thing was the attitude expressed by Jonathan before they even arrived at the camp. ‘Nothing hinders the Lord. He can do His work with many or with just a few.’ This is such a comfort. Our culture teaches us that success in contingent on numbers. It says that bigger is better. That has crept into the mindset of our churches. Especially I fear in an American context.

There is nothing wrong with numbers. But there is a comforting theme in the Bible. Remember Gideon who had too many men to go to war? God can do His work. He delights in using the weak and foolish and base things of the world to confound the strong the wise and the noble things.

The next time you feel all alone or feel that your ministry is too small or insignificant remember Jonathan’s powerful words – ‘Nothing hinders the Lord from saving with many or few.’