The Lone Ranger had Tonto. There is nothing like having a friend by your side. Someone that will fight for you (though they sometimes may fight with you). Someone that will do everything in their power to make you succeed. Someone that believes in you enough to trust you to lead them.
Saul’s son Jonathan had such a person. It was his armor bearer. The term armor bearer was originally translated from the Hebrew word, “nasa”, meaning to figuratively or literally lift up, support or simply help. An armor bearer is one that helps or supports the arms of an assigned leader during the times of battle.
As an example, check out this conversation Jonathan had with his armor bearer regarding his wild plan to infiltrate the Philistine army.
To reach the Philistine outpost, Jonathan had to go down between two rocky cliffs that were called Bozez and Seneh. The cliff on the north was in front of Micmash, and the one on the south was in front of Geba. “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.” 1 Samuel 14:4-7 (NLT)
A modern day armor bearer is one called by God to serve and help someone else in life, ministry, and especially in the fight of faith. In essence, an armor bearer is called to attend to, minister to, care for, help, assist, benefit, promote, support, and encourage their leader.
Let me propose two questions:
- Who is your Lone Ranger? Who can count on you to be there to root them on through anything and everything?
- Who is your Tonto? Who can you count on to be there to root you on through anything and everything?
Let me suggest that BOTH roles are vital to a healthy walk with Christ. We need someone to support us and we need to be a support to someone else. The former keeps us protected and encouraged. The latter keeps us humble and helps keeps us from becoming self-focused. Where do we find these relationships? Think through your friends and family, your relationships at church or work and someone may come to mind. Ask God to bring someone to mind, and be on the lookout for that person.
