Before Reading.
- Centering prayer— Pray for illumination, “Lord, open my heart and mind by the power of the Holy Spirit,” and remain in silence.
Reading.
- Read slowly, keeping any words or phrase that come to your mind, and mark on them.
- Close eyes and meditate on what you read.
- Take a note if you have question, inspiration.
Read 1 Samuel 14
King Saul’s success.
While confronting with the Philistines in battle, Jonathan, a son of king Saul, took the lead in forcing the fighting. His bravery, based on strong faith in God (v.6), brought victory.
Chapter 14 records episode of king Saul’s successful stories, along with his foolish act of vow which lead his army, and his country to danger.
These episodes contrast to the acts of Jonathan, his faith and bravery.
“Wearing an ephod,” (v.3) means carrying an ephod, not the linen ephod but a box containing Urim and Thummim, the sacred objects for determining the divine will by lot, which is the case in verse 41.
Overview.
1. What does this passage tell you about God?
2. What does this passage tell you about people.?
3. What does this passage tell you about yourself and God’s will for you?
