LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

Thus Saul died for his unfaithfulness, which he committed against Yahweh, because of the word of Yahweh which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it, and did not inquire of Yahweh. Therefore, He put him to death and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse.  1 Chron. 10:13-14

If you could interview King Saul while still here on this earth, what would he say to you? I think that he might say, “I have played the fool! I committed serious sin against God and against His people. I strayed away from God and refused to repent. Don’t become as I am!” The example of King Saul provides important instruction to us and raises some important questions for us to consider.

1.       Do I choose fatalism or faith?

Saul went his own way. He chose a path of disobedience. J. Sidlow Baxter wrote: “When a person plays the fool, he neglects godly friends and godly counsel. When a person plays the fool, he tries to persuade himself that he is doing the will of God when down deep in his heart, he knows otherwise. When a person plays the fool, he turns from God, the God that he has grieved, and looks for something else.”

2.       Do I choose cowardice or courage?

In 1 Samuel 15:24, Saul said, “I have sinned; I have indeed trespassed against the command of Yahweh and your words because I feared the people and obeyed their voice” (compare Proverbs 29:25). Do you stand strong in the face of opposition?

3.       Do I choose love of self, or love for others?

4.       Do I choose fear or forgiveness?

There is light at the end of the tunnel when a person responds to God like David and not like Saul. Each day, we are faced with these kinds of choices. Which will you choose today?

Ike Graham