In this chapter God remains absent from Saul. As a result Saul is seeking guidance to why He is no longer speaking to him. He cannot find a word from God. Since he no longer has any spiritual advisors, he essentially seeks out a “witch” to be a spiritual mediator for him. Are you kidding me? How far has he fallen?
I can’t figure out which is more odd to me; the fact that Saul had cowered to witchcraft or the fact that God used it for His good. He actually speaks to Saul through this way. What a sad spiritual indictment of Saul that God would rather communicate through a witch than directly to a man He had once appointed as King of Israel. In it… Samuel appears… weird… but here is the reply, and it affirms the removal of God’s hand from Saul, and His continued favor of David.
“Samuel said, "Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. The LORD will hand over both Israel and you to the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also hand over the army of Israel to the Philistines." 1 Samuel 28:16-19
Just a thought… we place too much stock and pride in our position or title. Here, Saul was still the King of the nation of Israel, yet he was at the lowest point of his spiritual life. His position was not proof of how he was doing. His distance from God was the proof. None of us would trade places with Saul in this moment. Makes me think of the lame 1987 movie “like father like son” (I know it’s probably redundant to use “1987” and “lame movie” in the same sentence) where Dudley Moore and Kirk Cameron swapped places… no way, no how would I want any of that.
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Poor yet Generous
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Not long ago I was in line at a downtown Wendy's when a homeless guy cut in
front of me. He literally acted as if he didn't see me. He stepped up to
the co...
Your thought abouut too much stock and pride in our position or title is right on the money. I really think that pride and ego and worring about what others think about us is the root of almost, if not all, of everything. We are taught to compete and win at all costs. I am the world's worst youth sport parent. I can't stand them!! We loose sight of the love of sport or just being active to be active. The same can be said about life. We should do our best just because God has allowed us to do this or that. It shouldn't matter what we get out something. It shouldn't matter but, it does matter. It is a battle we must face and fight daily.
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