Revelation

Read Psalm 126

Read 1 Samuel 28

I cannot really explain this reading from 1 Samuel today. It is a bizarre story to say the least. God spoke through a dead prophet conjured up by an exiled medium? Wow!

I supposed we might argue about whether it was really Samuel or not...his soul was with his God in heaven, right? We might argue about what the medium did or did not do. We could squabble over details of the story.

But we can be sure of a few things. We know God does not condone the consulting of mediums and spirits and the souls of the dead (if indeed the latter is even possible). That would be wickedness and idolatry. We are to consult the Word of God, and God-fearing people who can teach it and explain it.

Now, you might point out that Saul tried to consult God in the proper way, through means that God had set up in Old Testament times. Saul prayed, but received no dreams, no revelations. The prophets were not given an answer by God. Neither did Urim (Urim and Thummim were stones attached to the prophets garments. A strange system for us, but one that God chose to use to communicate). Here's the problem: Saul was looking for a different answer than the one already given.

Saul had already been told by God that the Lord had left him and was taking the kingdom away from him. Yet Saul did not repent and did not relinquish his kingdom. I would imagine things would have turned out much better for Saul if he would have accepted the consequences, turned his kingdom over to David and sought the Lord's mercy. But he didn't. I imagine the situation is much more like a person who refuses to give up wicked sinfulness, yet continues to search the Scriptures for a different answer. No, the answer has been given. The person gives up and seeks his own preservation from other sources, evil ones at that.

Saul's doom is almost upon him. But we can learn from him. We don't need to consult mediums, spirits, things contrary to God. We shouldn't follow our wicked hearts or listen to unruly and disobedient friends. The source of accurate and true Revelation is the Bible. Plain and simple.

And the Bible proclaims to us the truth: the truth about what God demands and the truth about God's mercy. God could have put all kinds of things in the Bible, but he put the news about our sinfallen condition and then the news about our Savior in his Word that we might die to sin and rise to newness of life. "These things are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31). Thanks be to God!

Pray:

"Lord, keep us close through Your means of grace, by which we are spared the desperation and darkness so tragically evident in Saul's life. When we are uncertain, grant us patience and comfort through Your Holy Word and the consolation of true brothers and sisters in the faith. Amen." (TLSB p. 482)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!