Risk
Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armour, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will act for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” His armour-bearer said to him, “Do all that your mind inclines to. I am with you; as your mind is, so is mine." ... So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines ... Jonathan said to his armour-bearer, “Come up after me, for the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.” Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, with his armour-bearer following after him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armour-bearer coming after him killed them. ... There was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people; the garrison and even the raiders trembled; the earth quaked; and it became a very great panic.
Something to think about
If I had to choose one relatively unknown person from the Bible to have dinner with, it would have to be the young man who was Jonathan's armour bearer.
There can be no denying that Jonathan was a valiant warrior. An honourable man. And a loyal friend.
As for this young man – well the questions just mount up! Why would he follow Jonathan so willingly in taking this incredible risk? They walked right into the camp of their enemies during a war. Somehow the armour bearer was caught up in Jonathan's complete trust in God.
Sometimes the challenge that faces us in the endeavour to end the injustice of poverty can seem insurmountable. Likewise fear about the risks of action (and inaction) can be paralysing. But, let us remember that unlike war, which may or may not be justifiable, the fight against poverty will always be a just cause.