Anointed: A Study in 1 SamuelSample

What does it say?

David found favor with King Achish. Saul, desperate to know the future, asked a medium to call Samuel from the dead. Samuel appeared and gave Saul very bad news.

What does it mean?

Saul’s pursuit of David was over. Samuel, Saul’s link to God, had died. The Philistine army was ready to attack Israel. God’s silence was deafening. Saul found himself in a terrifying situation. He was alone. Rather than repent and turn to God, Saul sought out a medium to help him speak with Samuel. The means by which Saul looked for guidance demonstrated his unrepentant heart. God allowed Samuel’s spirit to deliver the terrifying message – the Philistines would kill Saul and his sons the next day. His time was up; there was nothing he could do.

How should I respond?

It is wonderful to be in fellowship with the Lord. Reading His Word and knowing that it is speaking to you at that moment will provide love, peace, and assurance! On the other hand, being outside of the presence of God can be a scary, lonely place to be. How is your relationship with God? What sin might be deafening your ears to His voice? Sin breaks our fellowship with the Father, but He is ready and eager to forgive when we confess and repent. He never tires of hearing us say to Him, “I blew it. Please forgive me.” When we recognize that there is no condemnation left for us (Romans 8:1), we can return to God and his presence again and again.