TUESDAY October 1, 2019
Seeking Direction
Then the woman said to him, “Look, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the spiritists from the land. Why then do you lay a snare for my life, to cause me to die?” And Saul swore to her by the Lord, saying, “As the Lord lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing.” Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” And he said, “Bring up Samuel for me.” When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman spoke to Saul, saying, “Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul!”
1 Samuel 28:9-12
Saul went to see a demon-possessed woman while under disguise. The woman, knowing that the punishment for those dealing in spiritualism was death, became greatly afraid. She knew King Saul had forbidden witchcraft in Israel. Saul gave his word.Ironically, he swore by the Lord that no harm would befall her, so the woman obeyed Saul’s request. It is interesting that Saul thought the Lord would still direct him through the prophet Samuel.
The woman was shocked when Samuel actually appeared. The woman was used to bringing up demons––spirits. The woman immediately saw straight through King Saul’s disguise; instantly, she became afraid. Saul was the one who had cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land.
Understand, only God has the power to bring someone back from the dead. He alone has power over life and death. Remember, it shocked the witch because she knew she could do nothing that miraculous. God did this miracle in spite of her. The only reason God permitted Samuel to come back was to pronounce judgment on Saul for his sin, his life would end so tragically.
We should never try to disguise ourselves by putting on a front with people––a facade. Be careful of that. We need to be ourselves before man and God.
There is justice in hell, but sin is the most unjust thing. It would rob God of his glory, Christ of his purchase, the soul of its happiness.
~Thomas Watson~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!