What can we learn about seeking guidance from God versus other sources? Setting the Scene at Endor Saul had driven all mediums out of the land (1 Samuel 28:3), yet when the Philistine threat grew, “the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams or Urim or prophets” (v. 6). Instead of repenting, Saul disguised himself and consulted the medium at Endor. By the time we reach 1 Samuel 28:22, the medium is urging the exhausted king to eat: “Now please listen to your servant and let me set a piece of bread before you, so you may eat and have the strength to go on your way.” The bread on a stranger’s table is a small but telling picture of where Saul’s search for guidance has brought him—outside the circle of God’s provision. The Significance of 1 Samuel 28:22 • The king of Israel, meant to feast at the Lord’s table, is now fed by a forbidden medium. • Physical weakness mirrors spiritual bankruptcy; Saul seeks strength from the very source he once outlawed. • Choosing guidance apart from God always leads to an unexpected dependence on what is unholy and unreliable. Scripture’s Warnings Against Alternative Sources • Deuteronomy 18:10-12—“Let no one be found among you…who consults a medium or spiritist…For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD.” • Isaiah 8:19—“When they say to you, ‘Consult the mediums and spiritists,’…should not a people consult their God?” • 1 Chronicles 10:13-14—“Saul died…because he had…consulted a medium for guidance, and he had not inquired of the LORD.” The pattern is consistent: turning from God to forbidden counsel invites judgment and loss. Promises for Those Who Seek God’s Guidance • Psalm 32:8—“I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.” • Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart…in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” • 2 Timothy 3:16—“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Examine the sources you turn to first—news, social media, friends, mystical practices—and intentionally replace them with prayer and Scripture. • When answers seem delayed, remain in humble repentance rather than reaching for forbidden shortcuts. • Ground every decision in the revealed Word; God’s voice in Scripture never contradicts itself. • Seek godly counsel within the body of Christ, where the Spirit speaks through gifted brothers and sisters (Proverbs 15:22). • Remember that guidance from God often includes waiting; impatience drove Saul to Endor, but patience positions believers to receive true direction. Closing Encouragement The medium’s bread could only sustain Saul for a night, but the Word of God is living bread that guides, nourishes, and preserves eternally. Choose the table of the Lord, and every step will be under His faithful counsel. |
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