Who could blame him? The enemy was strong and in a battle ready position. This commander knew the enemy well and was convinced they were a formidable force; knowing that caused him to be afraid even to the point of trembling inwardly. Any man with any sense would turn to the Lord for guidance and strength. Good move, but this time it did not produce any results whatsoever. Saul found himself in a helpless situation and even more so when God did not show up. (I Samuel 28:1-5) Needing a desperate answer, he went to desperate means, seeking the help of the very ones he excommunicated from the land of Israel; a medium! Why didn’t God show up? Why didn’t He help the poor man. After all, it was he who was leading God’s people Israel in this battle! The answer is found in verse 18, “because you did not obey the voice of the LORD.”
On the other hand, during the same predicament, David was on the receiving end of death threats from his own men. Retreating from the unsolicited and unwarranted attacks from Saul, he, with his band of men, found refuge in the territory of the Philistines of all places! He was providentially turned back from going into battle against his own people, yet when he and his men returned, their families and belongings had been taken. This lead to the death threats from his own men. (I Samuel 30:6) What is encouraging is that, in the middle of all this, David strengthened himself in the LORD his God! (verse 6) David went to God, and God showed up! Saul went to God and God didn’t show up! The difference can be summed up, from a human perspective, in one word: obedience. Saul never learned the importance of patiently waiting on the Lord and humbly obeying Him. (cf. I Samuel 13:13) While far from being perfect, David did understand the importance of waiting patiently, obeying humbly! (cp. Psalm 27:14 for waiting and Psalm 119 for doing!)
Granted, waiting is difficult and obeying is demanding. God never said it was an easy path, but it most certainly is a straight path and always leads in the right direction! What is going on in our life that tempts you to short circuit God’s clear path and direction? The old adage, “just do something, even if it’s the wrong thing,” doesn’t work with God’s plan. So which path do you follow? Saul’s or David’s?
