Read 1 Samuel 28
Highlights:
Philistines declare war against Israel; Saul seeks counsel from the witch of Endor; David defeats the Amalekites; the death of Saul and his sons.
And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not (I Sam. 28:5-6).
God had given Saul the unique position of being the first king to reign over His people. But he forfeited this privilege because of his continual disobedience.
Saul was panic-stricken when the Philistines encamped against his armies at Mt. Gilboa. David, the champion, was gone; and Samuel, the prophet whom he had ignored for years, was dead. He offered a hurried prayer to God, who alone controls the destiny of all battles. But God did not answer him.
Often when prayers seem to go unanswered, we assume the request was not according to the will of God, when perhaps God was withholding His blessing because our lives were not in harmony with the biblical requirements for effective prayer. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me (Ps. 66:18).
Although Saul knew that spiritualist mediums were an abomination under the "laws of Israel" (Deut. 18:10-12; I John 4:1), he rode several hours through the night to seek counsel from the witch of Endor. It was a futile ride for the once-powerful king who had lived to please himself.
Those who reject the truth of God easily become victims of false prophets, fortune-tellers, astrologers, and the like (Matt. 24:24; I John 4:1). To these dupes God shall send strong delusion, that they should believe a lie (II Thess. 2:11).
Thinking it is a "fun thing" that will do no harm, many Christians read astrology columns and go to palm-readers or fortune-tellers. As we read the Word of God, the foolishness of seeking guidance from those who use crystal balls, palm-reading, or fortune-telling becomes apparent. Participating in activities that border on dealing with "spirits" is not only contrary to the Word of God, but it leaves that person open to satanic forces.
Idolatry, witchcraft . . . seditions, heresies . . . they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God (Gal. 5:20-21). And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the Truth, that they might be saved (II Thess. 2:10).
Thought for Today:
The only True Source of Guidance is through the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
Christ Revealed:
Through the Urim (I Sam. 28:6), which was used to determine the will of God. Today Christ speaks to us through His Spirit and when we read His Word. God . . . Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son (Heb. 1:1-2). When He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all Truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come (John 16:13).
Word Studies:
28:2 keeper of mine head, permanent captain of my bodyguard; 28:7 familiar spirit, demonic spirit that works through a medium, spiritualist, witch, or fortune-teller (Lev. 19:31; 20:6,27; Deut. 18:9-12); 28:14 mantle, robe; 28:15 sore, deeply; 28:21 sore, severely; 29:3 fell unto me, joined me; 30:12 his spirit came again to him, he revived; 30:21 saluted, greeted; 30:31 wont to haunt, accustomed to stay; 31:2 followed hard upon, overtook; 31:3 sore, badly.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Daniel Dalton • Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville, TN • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Country: Azerbaijan (7.7 million) southern Transcaucasia between Europe and Asia • Major languages: Azeri and Russian • Religious freedom • 65% Shi'a Muslim; 30% Sunni Muslim; 2% Russian Orthodox; 2% Armenian Apostolic; 1% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to work in your life in whatever way pleases Him (Heb. 13:21).
Optional Reading: Acts 11
Memory Verse for the Week: John 11
