What does Saul's reaction teach about the consequences of straying from God's will? \Setting the Scene\ • Saul once stood tall as Israel’s first king (1 Samuel 10:23), but repeated disobedience eroded his fellowship with God. • By chapter 28, the Philistines are marching, Samuel is dead, and God will not answer Saul “by dreams or Urim or prophets” (1 Samuel 28:6). • In desperation he violates his own ban on mediums (28:3) and seeks out the witch of Endor, triggering Samuel’s grim prophecy of impending defeat and death (28:17-19). \Saul’s Collapse in Verse 20\ “Immediately Saul fell facedown on the ground, filled with great fear because of Samuel’s words. He had no strength, because he had eaten nothing all that day and night.” (1 Samuel 28:20) What do we see? • Immediate physical collapse—he “fell facedown.” • Overwhelming dread—“filled with great fear.” • Total exhaustion—“he had no strength.” • Self-inflicted weakness—fasting without seeking God left him empty. \Key Consequences of Straying from God’s Will\ 1. Fear Displaces Faith • God’s presence drives out fear (Isaiah 41:10), but when Saul rejected God, terror rushed in. • 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love.” Saul’s love for God had grown cold, so fear ruled. 2. Spiritual Deafness Leads to Desperation • Earlier: “The LORD did not answer him” (1 Samuel 28:6). • When prayer is sidelined, people grasp at forbidden sources (Leviticus 19:31). 3. Physical and Emotional Drain • “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Without that joy, Saul’s strength evaporated. • Psalm 32:3-4 pictures David’s drained vitality when he hid sin; Saul mirrors the same emptiness. 4. Isolation from God and His People • Saul is alone with a medium instead of surrounded by prophets. • Proverbs 13:20 warns that companions shape destiny; Saul chose the company of darkness. 5. Reaping What Was Sown • Galatians 6:7: “God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap.” • Saul had sown rebellion (1 Samuel 15:23); now he reaps ruin. 6. Inevitable Judgment • Hebrews 10:31: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” • Samuel’s prophecy of death comes true in 1 Samuel 31, underscoring that God’s warnings are certain. \Related Biblical Snapshots\ • Cain’s fear after killing Abel (Genesis 4:13-14) shows guilt producing dread. • Jonah’s despair in the fish (Jonah 2) pictures flight from God ending in helplessness. • Peter’s regret after denying Christ (Luke 22:61-62) contrasts Saul; Peter repented and was restored, Saul did not. \Lessons for Today\ • Small acts of disobedience snowball; guard the heart early (Proverbs 4:23). • When God seems silent, examine life, repent quickly, and return to Scripture and prayer instead of turning to worldly counsel. • True strength flows from obedience; walking in step with the Spirit prevents fear-filled collapse (Galatians 5:16-25). • God’s warnings are mercy; heed them while there is time (Hebrews 3:15). \Conclusion\ Saul’s reaction in 1 Samuel 28:20 is a vivid snapshot of the inner and outer bankruptcy that follows a life drifting from God—fear, weakness, desperation, and eventual judgment. Staying near the Lord in humble obedience keeps us anchored in courage, strength, and hope. |
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