Friday, January 25, 2008

Jonathan- Part One

This past year at the Our Generation Summit I shared a message with everyone about being a 2nd man. I want to take a few blog posts and share those same points with you about a man who I believe is one of the best examples of what a 2nd man really should be like.

Being a 2nd Man doesn’t mean you have to be incapable or unproven to do the job of the 1st man. In I Samuel 14:6-15 we see that the King’s son Jonathan was a very capable man. He proved that he was a courageous man that trusted in the Lord with all his heart. It appears that he went up against a garrison of Philistines without any fear of death. He knew that God could use him just as he used men in the past, and don't forget, he fought the Philistines almost 4 chapters before David and Goliath were ever in the picture. From the inside out he was definitely capable and probably more qualified than his own father to be the next King.

You need to realize is that no matter what ministry the Lord has lead you to, you can’t be lazy and say “I don’t have to work or prove myself because I am not in the 1st man’s position." Be the man that knows God can use him to defeat a garrison of the Philistines. Let God use you to win great spiritual battles. Jonathan didn’t freely turn over his rightful place to David because he wasn’t qualified. He turned over his position because he knew that’s what God wanted.

Don’t settle for 2nd place so you can get an easier life. Take the position of the 2nd man because You are accepting God’s call on your life. Don't think the job is beneath you. If God has that for your life, follow him and do the job well with everything you have in you.

We have many weak pastors and leaders in our churches today because there isn't a 2nd man willing to stand up and be the Aaron or Hur that pastor or leader needs.