How can we apply the courage of Jonathan and Ahimaaz in our lives today? Setting the Scene • David’s son Absalom has staged a coup. • Hushai, secretly loyal to David, sends critical intelligence out of Jerusalem. • “Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En-rogel; a servant girl was to go and inform them, and they were to go and tell King David, for they could not risk being seen entering the city.” — 2 Samuel 17:17 • Two young men, unarmed and exposed, accept a mission that could cost them their lives. Snapshot of Courage Jonathan and Ahimaaz… • chose faith-filled obedience over personal safety. • depended on one quiet helper—a servant girl—to move God’s plan forward. • stayed alert, moved quickly, and used wisdom as well as bravery (vv. 18–21). • proved that courageous service is not limited to battlefields; it thrives in secret, mundane tasks done for the King. Timeless Principles • Courage is grounded in trust that “the LORD of Hosts is with us” (Psalm 46:7). • God often works through ordinary people who make themselves available (1 Corinthians 1:27). • True bravery combines bold action with prudent strategy (Proverbs 2:11). • Delivering truth may place us in danger, yet silence would be disobedience (Acts 5:29). Practical Steps to Emulate Their Courage 1. Stay positioned for service – Like the men at En-rogel, keep yourself ready through prayer, Scripture intake, and godly relationships. 2. Embrace small assignments – A hidden errand can alter history; faithful in little, ruler over much (Luke 16:10). 3. Rely on allies God provides – Value the “servant girl” moments when seemingly insignificant helpers advance the mission. 4. Act promptly when truth must travel – Delay can endanger lives; “Do not withhold good from the deserving” (Proverbs 3:27). 5. Accept risk under God’s protection – “Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? … the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). 6. Combine courage with discernment – They hid in a well when pursued (v. 19); boldness is not recklessness. 7. Keep focus on the true King – Their loyalty was to David; ours is to Jesus, “the King of kings” (Revelation 19:16). Other Scriptures That Reinforce Courageous Obedience • 2 Timothy 1:7 — “God has not given us a spirit of fear…” • Psalm 112:7 — “He will not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” • Hebrews 10:35 — “Do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward.” • Acts 4:29 — Believers pray for boldness to speak God’s word in hostile settings. Living It Today Courage like Jonathan and Ahimaaz begins long before danger appears. It forms in daily choices to trust God, embrace humble tasks, and speak truth despite cost. Stay ready, lean on the Lord’s presence, and step forward when He calls; the same God who guarded two young messengers guards His people still. |
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