The Folly of Saul’s Disobedience: A Warning Against the Occult
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 28:7-20 Today we turn to a sobering passage in God’s Word—1 Samuel 28:7-20—where we see King Saul, once chosen by God, spiral into desperation and disobedience. In his fear and rebellion, he seeks out a medium to contact the dead, turning from the living God to the powers of darkness. This passage is a stark warning for us today: when we reject God’s guidance and turn to forbidden paths, we invite judgment and despair. Let’s dive into this text and let the Holy Spirit teach us how to walk in obedience and trust in God alone. Saul’s Rebellion: Turning from God’s Word In 1 Samuel 28, we find Saul at the end of his rope. The Philistines are gathering for war, and Saul’s heart is gripped with fear (v. 5). He inquires of the Lord, but God is silent—no answer through prophets, dreams, or the Urim (v. 6). Why? Because Saul had long been disobedient. He failed to fully obey God’s command to destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15), and he rejected the word of the Lord t...