Day 109 – 1 Samuel 28-31, Psalm 18

Talking Points

• Saul finds himself reaping the wages of his disobedience. He walks in opposition to God, even being told that the Lord is his adversary (28:15). Saul knows God has departed from him and no longer answers him (28:6). What a terrible place to be — an enemy of God. What a frightening place to be — not directed by God. The Bible tells us this is our state outside of Christ.
• In this condition, Saul seeks out the voice of a medium. This is a direct violation of God’s commands, and still is today. We should note: evil spirits, the demonic, and the Satanic are all very real. If a person turns to them, Satan is happy to oblige.
• David is found with the Philistines and is preparing to fight against Saul and the sons of Israel. I think it is profound that even the Philistine leaders knew David was out of place. May we live in a way that, when we are in the wrong places, we do not fit.
• Saul and his sons are killed. It is a sad ending to a wild account. The one who was once anointed as leader of God’s people is dead, and with his three sons, hangs on a wall in disgrace. Sin has borne its consequences.
• It is strange that, in this turn of events, David has been delivered and this terrible episode is over for him. He did not have to seek his own deliverance, but God has settled the matter.

Thoughts

David has sought God’s help. He has waited on the Lord. He has tried to walk in obedience through the darkest of days. And, now, in response to God’s salvation, he praises Him. David rejoices, remembering God. “I love You, O LORD my strength.” What a perfect response!

There are many great lines in Psalm 18, but one deeply resonates:

“The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of my salvation…” (18:46).

Just think what great perspective we are afforded on this side of the Cross. Even more than David, we have reason to celebrate. Even more than David, we have reason to shout, “Our Lord lives and exalted be the God of our salvation!” Jesus is alive! Sin is conquered. Death is defeated. Our enemy is crushed. And, oh so highly exalted is the God of our salvation! Jesus saves!