"Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse"
What an astounding piece of Scripture! Saul died BECAUSE he was "false in his duty" to the Lord . . . he committed adultery with God. This tears at my heart, brings a shudder to my spirit, and tears to my eyes.
Saul died because of three things. One, he did not keep the word of the Lord. He was disobedient. He was puffed up with pride and decided his way was the better way. Not only did he do wrong, he failed to do what was right. Next, he became involved with witchcraft. He sought the advice of hell. He wanted a quick answer and a quick fix, so he went the quickest route. He ignored God. And last, he did not inquire of the Lord. Too much trouble and too long to wait. Saul never went to God unless there was nowhere else to turn - the LAST resort. Saul sought God only when it suited Saul. It's that world attitude "I want it all, I want it now, and I want it MY way!"
In direct contrast, if you read 2 Chronicles 20, you will see that Jehoshaphat did the exact opposite of Saul. He prayed; he sought God; he waited for the answer and then obeyed God; he praised and worshiped; and God gave him complete victory over his enemies. This chapter is as fabulous a study on obedience as today's verses are on disobedience. We most certainly reap what we sow.
God calls us to a higher standard and a better life. We are to reject the world's ways, it is the direct path to hell. Oh, it's easy and appears delightful, but the cost of the ride ticket is just a bit too steep for me. After we turn our backs on worldly wants and ways, we are to seek what God wants. His ways are good, true and perfect and will always glorify Him, and only Him. If it does anything else, we need to readjust our own actions. And when all is said and done, we need to step out in immedite, unquestioning obedience. There is no room for questioning, arguing, complaining, or dallying. Hear and obey. Period. Amen.
What happens in the Old Testament in the natural happens in the New Testament in the spirit. God took Saul's life for his disobedience and disregard of God; Saul died, and not easily. If we are repeatedly and unrepentently unfaithful to the Lord, we will also die; we will die spiritually. We will be cut off from Jesus Christ. Is the cost of the joy of the moment worth it? We need to think on this very deeply, determine the attitude of our heart, and go from there. Even a little teensy bit of Saul in us is way too much Saul.
How is your walk with Jesus Christ? If there is anything but unquestioning obedience, we may need to examine our motives. Who is sitting on the Throne?
"Almighty God, I beg you, give me the strength and the courage to be unquestioning in my walk with you. Help me to be instantly obedient when you nudge me. I falter, Lord, I stumble and fall. Forgive me, O my God, and direct my steps, that they will ever glorify your name. Encourage me to be faithful in seeking your direction and counsel. Help me to be the child you created me to be. My heart is yours, Jesus. Amen."
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
2 Chronicles 20
Leveticus 185
Deuteronomy 30:14
Nehemiah 9
Psalm 119:57-61
1 John 3:24
1 John 5:3
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