I’m reading the Bible in a Year. It is the best thing I have done for my spiritual growth in a while. If you’re interested, you can start anytime.
I have learned wonderful lessons each day. This week I was taught by the story of Jonathan (Saul’s son) and his armor bearer. You can read the full account here.
Here’s the highlights: Saul has just been made King of Israel, because the people have been asking for a King for years in the age of Judges. Samuel anoints Saul and they are heading into battle against the Philistines. Jonathan demonstrates great faith in God and he and his armor bearer break away from the Israelite army and decide to try and take on the vast Philistine army with just 2 of them.
Imagine that.
The armor bearer follows Jonathan into this seemingly impossible situation without hesitation. He exemplifies what it takes to be all in.
photo courtesy of sxc.hu @HLO2007
Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”
“Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.”
“All right then,” Jonathan told him. “We will cross over and let them see us. If they say to us, ‘Stay where you are or we’ll kill you,’ then we will stop and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come on up and fight,’ then we will go up. That will be the Lord’s sign that he will help us defeat them.”
When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!”
“Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the Lord will help us defeat them!”
So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them.” 1 Samuel 14: 6-13 NLT
The Armor Bearer shows us 3 characteristics of a vital Team Member.
First, he’s willing to Completely Support his Leader. When Jonathan lays out his ludicrous plan to climb up the rocks and taunt the Philistines, the armor bearer doesn’t question his tactics or his motives. He just makes a very simple statement we can learn from, “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.” When we verbally give this kind of affirmation, we build our leaders up and give them needed confidence in not only their plans, but also their comrades.
Don’t underestimate the power of a solid, unwavering “I’m with you.”
Second, he’s willing to Follow his Leader anywhere. This text paints a picture of some very rough, uncertain terrain. They were climbing a rocky mountain using their hands and feet. Imagine how defenseless they were crawling up a mountain using every part of their body to move. Yet the armor bearer stays right behind Jonathan when he says, “Climb right behind me.” He follows his leader right into the path of the enemy in very dire and unpromising circumstance. And you can bet it wasn’t easy.
Don’t underestimate the depth of dedication demonstrated when you will go anywhere for your Leader.
Third, he’s willing to get his leader’s back. As Jonathan and his armor bearer make their way on all fours up the craggy side of an army infested mountain, the armor bearer stays directly behind his Leader. We read, “and his armor bearer killed those who came behind him.” What a powerful illustration of an oft used, but less often lived, expression, “I’ve got your back.” Literally without his vital teammate, Jonathan wouldn’t have stood a chance. But with two of them, one in front and one behind, they are able to slay the warriors they can as God accomplishes the rest of the task.
Don’t underestimate the importance of staying behind your Leader and slaying the deterrents that come his way.
Whatever “Team” you’re on, whether it’s a company, committee, church, charity, sports, school, mission or association, these are valuable characteristics to embody. Don’t be a detractor because you have your own agenda, be like the armor bearer: ALL IN!
This blog is dedicated to the Ose/Schroeder Mission Team that will be traveling to Haiti from June 10-17. Please keep them in your prayers as they serve and follow their blog here.