Read 1 Chronicles 8
Highlights:
Descendants of Benjamin; genealogies of Israel and Judah; priests and Levites in Jerusalem; their duties; genealogy of Saul; death of Saul and his sons.
So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the Lord, even against the Word of the Lord, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it (I Chr. 10:13).
God had commanded Saul to utterly destroy all (I Sam. 15:3) of the Amalekites and their possessions, but they spared King Agag and took home the choicest animals. His partial "obedience" was self-deceiving, for he proudly announced to Samuel: Blessed be thou of the Lord: I have performed the Commandment of the Lord (15:13). His obedience was only as complete as it pleased himself and the people.
The night before this final battle with the Philistines on Mt. Gilboa, Saul hastily prayed, but he was frustrated when God did not answer. He rushed through the night to the village of Endor to seek counsel from a spiritualist medium concerning the outcome of the battle. It is important to note here the need in our lives to wait on God. His answer will come in His time. Too often, just like Saul, we turn to ungodly resources for our answers. This is not God's will (Ps. 1:1). This exposed Saul's failure to enforce God's Word and his disloyalty as a representative of God: There shall not be found among you any one . . . that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, Or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord (Deut. 18:10-12).
Saul is not the only person who has missed the Lord's best for their lives and created serious problems by patronizing palm readers, fortune-tellers, spiritualists, and other deceptive, evil advisors rather than turning to God. Many have fallen into this trap that is laid out by our enemy. Satan is crafty and cunning. He lays in wait and attacks us as his prey. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (I Pet. 5:8-10). Especially in these latter days, it will become more important to be aware of that which is around us. These evils on the earth will intensify (I Tim. 4:1).
The best weapon in our arsenal to protect us from falling into the devil's trap is the Word of God. It is in His Word that we find warnings about these things (Gal. 5:19-21).
These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you (I John 2:26).
Thought for Today:
Faith comes to those who read the Word of God.
Christ Revealed:
By Jerusalem, which means "foundation of peace" (I Chr. 9:3). Christ is the only Foundation of Peace upon which man can stand before God. Jesus said: My peace I give unto you (John 14:27; II Cor. 5:18; Eph. 2:14).
Word Studies:
8:31 Zacher, Zechariah (not the prophet); 9:21 porter, gatekeeper of the entrance way; 9:22 set office, trustworthy position; 9:23 by wards, as guards; 9:28 bring them in and out by tale, count them when they bring them in and take them out; 10:2 followed hard after, closely pursued and overtook; 10:3 went sore, was fierce; 10:4 uncircumcised, those without a covenant relationship with God.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Beverly Skinner • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Officials: Rep. Jackie Speier (CA), Rep. Erik Paulsen (MN), and Rep. Jim P. Moran, Jr. (VA) • Country: Czech Republic (10 million) in central Europe • Major languages: Czech and Slovak • Religious freedom • 63% Catholic; 7% Protestant; 4% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Believe that what God promises, He will bring to pass (Gen. 15:1-6 & 21:1-3).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 1
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 8:9