1 Samuel 28
Today's Passage: 1 Samuel 28
“The LORD has done to you as he spoke by me, for the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David.” 1 Samuel 28:17
Chapter 28 is the beginning of the end for Saul. The Lord has left him and he is told by Samuel that he will die the very next day. When we read this story we must stop and ask “Why?” How did Israel’s King end up like this? The short answer is that Saul disobeyed the Lord.
God did not suddenly change his mind about Saul. He gave Saul His word and instruction and time after time Saul sinned against God. The Lord warned him of the consequences if he did not follow the Lord’s instruction, but he continued in disobedience. So…the Lord did what he said. He took the kingdom and gave it to a man that was chasing after the heart of God.
God’s people have made a habit of turning from God’s Word and pursuing other gods. The Israelites did it all throughout the Old Testament and if we are honest, our hearts do the same thing today. Those of us who believe in Jesus have been freed from slavery to sin, but our hearts are still easily led astray.
Here are three takeaways from this text:
Written By: Joe Weaver
“The LORD has done to you as he spoke by me, for the LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David.” 1 Samuel 28:17
Chapter 28 is the beginning of the end for Saul. The Lord has left him and he is told by Samuel that he will die the very next day. When we read this story we must stop and ask “Why?” How did Israel’s King end up like this? The short answer is that Saul disobeyed the Lord.
God did not suddenly change his mind about Saul. He gave Saul His word and instruction and time after time Saul sinned against God. The Lord warned him of the consequences if he did not follow the Lord’s instruction, but he continued in disobedience. So…the Lord did what he said. He took the kingdom and gave it to a man that was chasing after the heart of God.
God’s people have made a habit of turning from God’s Word and pursuing other gods. The Israelites did it all throughout the Old Testament and if we are honest, our hearts do the same thing today. Those of us who believe in Jesus have been freed from slavery to sin, but our hearts are still easily led astray.
Here are three takeaways from this text:
1) Are you living like the Lord has spoken to you through His Word? Just like Saul, we have been given instruction and guidance from God. The Bible is His Word given to us on how to live, think, and act. Let us learn from Saul’s mistake and read, learn, and cherish God’s Word.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17)
2) God’s presence to believers is permanent through the Holy Spirit. The Lord left Saul because of his disobedience. We have the Holy Spirit within us because of Christ’s perfect obedience - not ours! So we need not fear that when we sin God is going to take away his Spirit.
“Do you not know that you1 are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1 Cor 3:16-17)
3) We should live lives that the Lord is eager to bless! The whole point of the Gospel is that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We couldn’t live lives that truly pleased God - so Christ died in our place to make us good! So now we get to live lives that worship and honor Him. Lives that follow His Word and reflect His heart.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)
Written By: Joe Weaver
1 Comment
It is so tragic that King Saul did not obey God or listen to the prophet Samuel. This chapter is sad because there was no hope for Saul. But, This outcome not have to be for us! There is still time! We can trust in God. He sent Jesus to save us from sin. We only have to turn away from sin, obey and believe in God's word!