The application of this passage is really nothing less than an encouragement to walk by faith and not by sight; or to put it differently, an encouragement to be bold in our obedience to God—to follow Jonathan as he points us to Christ.
To begin with, we can be bold in pursuing the good works that God has prepared for us to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Making plans to serve and support our families. Making plans to love our neighbours and help those in need. For example, fighting for justice in the law courts, teaching people to make their own honey, joining a neighbourhood watch to patrol your community, praying for the orphans and children in foster care. There is a lot of work to be done in our world and we must not be scared of getting involved. The Lord has prepared good works for us so that we can walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).
We can also be bold in testifying to Christ. The gospel, the good news about Jesus is the power of God for the salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16–17). It is foolishness to some, but it is the power of God to those whom he has called. We know this to be true, but it is a reality we struggle to live by. There are many things that stop us from encouraging friends and family to investigate the Christian faith. We do not want people to think we are strange. We do not want conversations to be awkward. We do not want to impose our views on others. Most certainly there is nothing wrong with being wise in what we say and when, but it is generally not a lack of wisdom but a lack of boldness that keeps us silent. We are not confident that the Lord will use our words to do good. So maybe there is someone at home or at work you have been meaning to invite to church or just to have a conversation about Jesus and the Bible—in the week to come, could this be the time to be bold and step out in faith?
Finally, there is a boldness to be exercised in the way we face trials and difficulties. If I know that nothing can separate me from the love of God and that Christ is my righteousness, then I do not look to my circumstances or my performance as a testimony of God’s favour. I can keep serving him even when things are turned upside down. When I am lying on the hospital bed, when I am in a car accident, when I am struggling to find work. We do not serve God for the benefit of earthly blessings; we serve him because he is worthy and because we belong to him. Trials and difficulties are not a cause to forsake the Lord, but to run to him.
Bold and courageous obedience. Decisions made on the basis of God’s promises. That is what God wants from his people. That is the response that the Spirit seeks to work in our hearts. Christ Jesus has been made our wisdom and our righteousness; we have every reason to boast in the Lord.
1 One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father.