by Leeann Bay based on 1 Samuel 14:1-15

Eleazar broke open a pomegranate as he sprawled under a shady tree. He scooped out some of the ruby red fruit and spit a seed toward the tip of the sword lying on his lap. He missed.

He looked at his master Jonathan. Jonathan stared into the distance. Suddenly, Jonathan turned to Eleazar and pointed toward the cliff.

“There’s a watch post of Philistines up on those rocks,” he said.

The Philistines were Israel’s enemies. They murdered and tortured God’s people, so the Lord was helping King Saul and his son Jonathan fight them.

“Come on. Let’s go to the watch post,” Jonathan said, standing up.

Eleazar didn’t say anything, but inside he thought, There are lots of soldiers up there!

“I’ve been praying,” Jonathan said, “and I’m sure the Lord wants us to go.”

Eleazar hesitated, but when he remembered his duty, he said, “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” He obediently picked up his sword and handed a spear to his master.

The two began walking under the hot sun toward the rock canyon.

I wish I were still under the pomegranate tree, Eleazar thought.

“We’re getting close,” Jonathan whispered. “Don’t be afraid. The Lord sees us and will protect us.”

“There are only two of us and there may be more than a hundred Philistines at that post,” Eleazar pointed out. His dark eyes scanned the cliffs, straining to see any movement.

“The Lord can use us,” Jonathan said. “He isn’t restricted to numbers or earthly power.”

“Aren’t you afraid, Master?” Eleazar asked quietly.

“Yeah, I’m scared,” Jonathan said. “But our God is big enough.” Jonathan’s voice was strong and confident. Eleazar hoped Jonathan was right.

They continued toward the post, climbing large boulders. Suddenly Jonathan stopped and turned to Eleazar.

“Hurry!” he whispered. “We’ll shout so they know we’re here.”

Eleazar nodded.

“If they dare us to climb up, we’ll know that the Lord wants us to fight,” Jonathan said. “If not, we run.”

I’m ready to run, Eleazar thought. But if God wants us to go, I’ll do it.

“We come in the name of the Lord!” Jonathan shouted. Eleazar crouched behind a boulder.

The massive canyon echoed Jonathan’s cries. Then silence. Eleazar’s legs trembled.

“Look, men,” a Philistine jeered. “The cowardly Israelites are trying to pass!”

“Hey, young warriors,” another yelled. “Why don’t you try coming up here!”

Jonathan quickly motioned for Eleazar to follow. “The Lord has given them into the hand of Israel,” he said.

If Jonathan weren’t my master, I’d stay behind this rock, Eleazar thought, picking up his sword.

The Philistines had dared them to climb the cliff. Those words were a sign from God to fight.

Jonathan climbed swiftly. Eleazar clambered after his master, grasping at tufts of grass and scrambling for steady footholds.

“Eleazar, prepare your sword,” Jonathan called.

A Philistine armed with a long spear scrambled toward them. His metal sweater made his movements jerky, and his eyes glared from under a helmet.

Suddenly the ironclad Philistine lost his footing, slipped and started rolling down the hill.

The two Israelites threw themselves out of his way. That was close, Eleazar thought.

Eleazar and Jonathan kept climbing. As they neared the top, Philistines leaned over the edge to spear them. Jonathan knocked each one off balance with his spear.

We got past those Philistines, Eleazar thought. But the next one will probably kill me. . . or I’ll collapse and tumble down the canyon.

Dozens more Philistines ran stiffly toward them. Jonathan began bravely striking them down with his spear. Eleazar took a deep breath and raised his own sword to help his master. Soon 20 Philistines were dead.

Suddenly the ground began shaking. Stones rolled down the canyon behind them. The Philistines turned and ran away from the edge of the cliff screaming.

“The Lord sent an earthquake!” Jonathan yelled. When the shaking stopped, the Philistines were gone.

“The Lord saved us,” Eleazar said. “He watched over us the whole time.” He paused and looked down. “I hope the LORD forgives me for thinking He wouldn’t protect us.”

“He will if you ask.” Jonathan smiled. “Next time will you be ready to trust God?”

“Yes,” Eleazar said. His legs were still shaking. “It’s amazing what the Lord can do with two guys—even one who was afraid.”

“Let’s thank God for the victory,” Jonathan said.

They prayed. Then Eleazar began cleaning Jonathan’s spear. As he wiped the blade, he thought about all that had happened.

Now I’m ready for your next BIG assignment, God, he thought.

	Q: What did one lightbulb say to the other one? A: “Watt are you doing?” Charles R., 10, Georgia Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe