I Samuel 28

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I Samuel 28:16-19, Samuel said, “Why do you consult me, now that the Lord has departed 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 deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.”

Saul has truly spiraled.  In this chapter, we find him seeking out a medium for guidance, something that is totally forbidden in the Torah.  Then, less than twenty-four hours after he does so, he is dead.  So what happened?

Saul, expecting an attack by the Philistines, sought out a medium to contact Samuel from the dead.  He had previously sought out help from the Lord but didn’t get any response because of his disobedience (not to mention he killed off the priests who might be his spiritual advisors).  The medium, upon Saul’s request, brings up the spirit of Samuel, who has very harsh words for Saul, as we read in our focus verses for today.  Samuel reiterates the prophecy that the kingdom would be given to David.  At this point, Saul knows this, he has heard it many times and in many ways, but he has refused to believe it.  But now, he seems to get it.  He falls to the ground and is inconsolable.

Throughout the Bible, we read about God’s prohibition of anything related to the occult – mediums, fortune-tellers, clairvoyants, etc.  While some people may dispute they have any power at all (and some are clearly frauds), God has definitely forbidden his people’s interaction with them for a reason.  My impression is that some of these individuals definitely have power but it is NOT from God.  Saul should have stayed away and we need to stay away as well.  It’s nothing to mess with.  Our direction and guidance should only come from Jesus Christ.

Let’s pray…Lord, Help us stay focused on you and you alone.  More of you and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.