Daily Devotional

Removing the Mask: Saul - July 9

So Saul disguised himself . . . . And he said, "Please conduct a séance for me . . . ."
1 Samuel 28:8

RECOMMENDED READING

1 Samuel 28:3-12

As a young man, Saul was a natural-born leader whose charisma was obvious, whose calling was noble, and whose career was promising. His character, however, was flawed; and as a result, his crown was lost. In the end, Saul longed for the advice of the mentor he had rejected - Samuel - and, in despair, he was reduced to seeking guidance from black magic, ghosts, goblins, and witches.

Warren W. Wiersbe, in his little book Don't Lose Your Crown, wrote, "Isn't it a tragedy that Saul realized too late how much he needed Samuel? He had ignored Samuel when he was there to help. . . . Do you have someone - a pastor, a parent, a friend - who wants to guide you in the right direction, but you aren't paying any attention? I want to warn you: One day that person may be gone, and you will wish you had his or her wisdom. Appreciate the people who are trying to help you."

Saul disguised himself, but he couldn't hide from the God whose Word He had rejected. Don't seek in the darkness the guidance that only comes from walking in the Light.

Turning Point

The Scriptures tell us that Saul "disguised himself." In one sense, Saul . . . revealed himself! The darkness of his soul was coming out.
Warren W. Wiersbe

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Proverbs 21:1 - 23:35; Proverbs 24:1 - 26:28