1 Samuel 13:3 (NKJV)
“And Jonathan attacked the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. Then Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, ‘Let the Hebrews hear!’”

We look for a generation who are not afraid to take initiative and enter spiritual combat. We pray for a generation of younger pilgrims who don’t wait for the readiness of their fathers before they take spiritual initiative. We long for a more adventurous generation willing to take risks for God’s kingdom.

Unfortunately, many younger folks are more concerned about their well-being and their pet dreams, than they are about the kingdom. Many even despise the calling of their fathers and refuse to walk in the same steps as their predecessors. They despise the ancient pathways and forge new paths that have no eternal impact or implications.

But thank God for Jonathan. As soon as his father had formed the army, he took initiative and attacked the Philistines. He went on the offensive. He also knew that his father would not abandon him or leave him alone, so he ventured out without waiting for approval. And, of course, Saul was pulled into the battle.

Blessed are we when our younger ones are more radically committed to kingdom matters than we are. Blessed are we when the younger generation is willing to take risks that we never took. Blessed are we when our youngsters provoke us and lead us into spiritual warfare. Oh! That we may experience this turn of events in our generation.

There are yet many lands to be conquered spiritually. There are many mountains and valleys to be crossed to present the good news of Jesus. There are enclaves waiting to be taken for Christ. But who will lead the way? Who will step forward and take the risks needed to see God’s glory? I hear God’s heart saying, “Who will go for us?”

Many in the older generation are fading away. Many have become more settled, and have lost their initial drive and push. We need our Jonathan’s to arise. We need a new vibrant generation to step forward and do greater feats than their fathers did. Thank God for the Saul’s but we need more Jonathan’s today.