1 Chronicles 10:13-14 "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 enquire of it; 14 And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse."

1 Chronicles 11:9 "So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him."

This morning I was moved by the contrast found in these two men.  Remember they both held the same position (kings of Israel), so the contrast is found in the way they responded to the LORD.  Both passages begin with the same word, the word "so," which speaks of result or outcome.  Let's contrast these two men and notice the result or outcome.

Saul's end was abrupt and punitive.  He died because of his disobedience to God.  Two specific acts of disobedience are mentioned in verses 13 and 14. 

• He was disobedient to the Word of God.  The Lord had given Saul a command to destroy everything that was associated with the Amalekites (Read 1 Samuel 15).  He partially obeyed, but did not fully obey the LORD. What this should teach each one of us is that partial obedience is still disobedience.  May we examine our own lives in light of this truth.

• He also sought counsel from the witch of Endor. Saul went to an occultist to receive guidance. We are to receive our marching orders from God's Word through the leading of the Holy Spirit.  I know people who play with the occult by checking their daily horoscope, playing with Ouija boards, and the magic eight ball, reading and or attending Harry Potter books and movies. May we clean up our lives and stay away from things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.  Acts 19:19-20 speak about the right actions in regards to this subject.  David's end was calm and peaceful.  He died an old man, surrounded by people who cared for him. One of his final acts was to make his son, Solomon king over Israel.  David was surrounded by Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah one of David's three mighty men, described as a valiant man who was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites.  The Bible records his death as follows, "So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David." (1 Kings 2:10) Saul was injured by his enemies, the Philistines, and then fell on his own sword, his sons were also killed with him.

David obeyed the Lord, and David sought counsel from the Lord.  Oh yes, David sinned and did wrong, but he was a great repenter. He is described as Paul recounts the history of Israel in Acts 13:22, "...I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will." (See also 1 Samuel 13:14) "So David waxed greater and greater: for the LORD of hosts was with him."

The difference was God was with David, and He had left Saul to stand alone on his own.  The choice belongs to us. The contrast is clear.  We can choose to obey the Lord or disobey Him.  We can choose to seek counsel from horoscopes, Ouija boards, or people who don't walk with God; or we can seek direction from the blessed Word of God and the Holy Spirit. 

I hope that each of us choose to obey the Lord and seek counsel from Him so that it may be said, "the LORD of hosts was with him."

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1.  If you commit a sin, what steps should you take to deal with your sin?

2.  What is the only source of guidance for the Believer?  How do allow God's Word to direct you?

3.  Why is it wrong to seek guidance from sources outside the Word of God, like a horoscope?