Moment of Meditation: Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7)

Original Broadcast: August 2009

Monthly Theme: King Saul

Then Saul said to his servants,
"Seek out for me a woman who is a medium,
that I may go to her and inquire of her."
And his servants said to him, "Behold, there is a medium at Endor."
(1 Samuel 28:7)

Witch of Endor

Samuel died. Saul was still king. Saul still wanted David dead, but he had a problem with the pesky Philistines. In fact, David was fighting WITH the Philistines. Knowing that Samuel was the greatest military advisor he ever had--after all, his military advice came directly from God--he needed advice once again. Only one problem. Samuel's dead.

During the time he listened to God, Saul had put out all the magicians and mediums and soothsayers. Now he needed their help. No help was coming from God. So he disguised himself and went. When Samuel appeared, he was greatly annoyed, "Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?" (v15). Even in death, the animosity between Saul and Samuel never let up.

Saul was another Bible character who always did things rashly. He never thought things through. He jumped the gun whenever he thought he knew what was coming next. Samuel shot him down by saying, "Why then do you ask me, since the LORD has turned from you and become your enemy?" (v16).

What do you do when God becomes your enemy? You do the same thing you did the last time He was your enemy. You come to where He has promised to be, His Word and His Sacraments, and receive the gifts He gives there. Among those gifts are faith, salvation and everlasting life. Saul thought he had it right by going to Samuel this time, but it proved to be further his undoing. It was too little too late.

Is it too little too late for you? Not if you're listening to this broadcast. While you are drawing breath, you have the opportunity to become God's child instead of His enemy. My door is always open for those seeking to learn more about God. Amen.