1 Samuel 28&31
The Beginning of the End(s) Part 2
In Chapter 31 we read of the death of Saul and his sons in the battle with the Philistines. When we read Chapter 28 yesterday we saw Saul resort to seeking a witch to find out how the battle would go. We read that Saul was so fearful that he was trembling. We also read that Saul had sought out the prophet he had rejected over the years, the wisdom from the Urim the priest carried, and even dreams, but there was no direction from God. Saul seemed to have no use for the priests or the articles of worship like the ark. In the past when he did seek the leading of the Lord he stopped the priest before he could speak and Saul went off on his own. Later he killed the priest and kept Samuel at a distance.
Samuel told Saul that his rebellion against the Lord was like divination in1 Samuel 15:23. Divination is to seek direction and wisdom from a source other than God. Samuel also told Saul that his insubordination toward God was sin and idolatry. Sounds like Saul had a pride and power problem. The apostle Paul tells us in Colossians 3:5, “Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desires, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.” NASB
Worldly wisdom tell us that a “Journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.” Saul didn’t begin his journey with an encounter with the witch of Endor, his journey led him there. Thousand mile Journeys might be fine but before one begins it would be better wisdom to make sure you are on the right path with a good destination in mind.
Saul’s son Jonathan had a journey destination in mind. He planned to be second in command to David when David became king, but Jonathan was with his father on the path Saul had taken in life, and both died that day in the battle with the Philistines.
I believe the Word of God is the only true and faithful path we can take which is why I am encouraging us to read the Bible daily. However, we must have a destination in mind. If you want to be blessed, become rich, powerful, or a leader in the church that people look up to, you have the wrong destination in mind. That is why God did not answer King Saul in Chapter 31. He was treating God like an idol wanting to be blessed and famous. God is not a genie in a bottle that you rub and get your wishes. He is God and it is His will that will be done.
If you want to find God and give your life to Him and let Him direct your steps on the path of life you are well on your way. If you need direction for your life, the path begins with a surrender of your will and life to God. Then take the right steps of prayer, study of God’s Word, and fellowship with His people, and you will find yourself on the right path. You will reach the right destination.
May God Bless and Guide
Pastor Dave