Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

If Only…
Read 1 Samuel 28:1-25

The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15

‘If only…’ is the refrain of people who have messed up their lives and that of others. If only they could turn back the clock and start over. Saul must have felt like that when he was told that the end of his life was near (v 19).

If only he had obeyed the Lord concerning the Amalekites, he could have still continued as king (vs 17-18).

If only he had listened to Ahimelech and not killed the 85 priests at Nob (22:6-19) he could have had godly people to ‘inquire of the Lord’ for him. He needn’t have gone to a witch, of all people, for help (vs 6-7)

If only he had honoured and obeyed Samuel when Samuel was still alive, Saul would not have had to go to such lengths to consult him when he had already died (vs 11-15). Anyway, the message Samuel had for Saul after he had died was similar to the one when he was still alive. The only difference was that Saul was also told the outcome of the impending battle with the Philistines.

Because of the willful and foolish way he lived, Saul messed up his life, the lives of his sons and of all Israel (v 19). He could not undo the damage he had done but he still had time to get right with God. Did he? Let’s hope that he did!

When the Apostle Paul was known as Saul, he had as murderous a reputation as his namesake. But he did not say, “If only…” Instead he said, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13b-14).

Our past, whatever it has been, should not bother us. We have our present and our future to serve God. So, let’s do it!