QT 7 Oct 13, Religion is NOT the answer

1 Sam 14:24-30 (NIV) And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, "Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies." So none of the people had tasted food. 25 Now when all the people came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground. 26 And when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright. 28 Then one of the people said, "Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, 'Cursed be the man who eats food this day.'" And the people were faint. 29 Then Jonathan said, "My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. For now the defeat among the Philistines has not been great."

NOTE: The obvious question regarding so much of Saul's actions is "why?" First, we see the ark traveling with the HQ unit, and now Saul adds a curse, as if by making things harder, Saul can curry the favor of God. Saul is the example of the religious guy. He doesn't really believe, but he is superstitious enough to go through all the motions of religion. He brings along good luck charms. He seeks God only when he is completely unsure of the next move. He adds pains to appease spiritual authorities.

Additionally, Jonathan's reaction is somewhat surprising. He does not berate his Father, but he does respond critically "my father has troubled the land … the defeat among the Philistines has not be great." He clearly disagrees with the false spirituality of his Father. And in contrast, his life exhibits an unwavering  trust of God. He goes into battle alone on the basis of one small sign, absolutely convinced that God would give him victory. His small battle causes the rout of the entire Philistine army. No wonder he becomes close friends with David -- they have the same spirit -- an enthusiastic belief that God was incredible and enjoyable. They are infection in their spirit and I'm sure their spiritual fellowship encouraged both of them to walk more deeply with God.

God calls religion dead (Rev 3:1). Yet so many are fooled by it. Lord, wake us up from our stupor. Revive our hearts. Let us live wholly sold out to the Lord Jesus.