1 Samuel 31

Saul’s death is tragic. As we read today it may be easy to feel vindicated, justice was served! Saul was a bad king who didn’t love God, this is exactly how this should have ended. But Saul’s death is tragic, and it’s a glimpse into our future without Christ. 

All his life, Saul had taken measures into his own hands, not taking a moment to stop and ask the Lord for guidance or consider what God would want him to do. Even his death was decided by him. We, at one point, were no different than Saul. Enemies of God, taking matters into our own hands, doing what we think is right, making decisions based on what will be best for us. We all were lost, and as we read this chapter today, would that thought not be far from us. James 1:15 says that sin, once fully grown, brings forth death and that’s what we see to be true in this chapter. Saul’s self reliance killed him, and we should be just as mindful that our sin will do the same to us if we aren’t regularly confessing and repenting.

We have been given such an incredible gift in Christ. The sin that once entangled us so tightly, falls away in His presence. We have a new chance at life, one that ends in eternal joy, not death and destruction. When we think about obedience, we mustn’t think of it as a sudden change. But day by day, as we learn more about our God and the ways He wants us to live, our hearts change and we become more like Him. Like bricks being stacked up, our daily moments of surrender will build for us a house that can never be knocked down. 

How are you laying down bricks of obedience in your life? 

What is God asking you to do? What are you going to do about it?

Is there anything you need to confess, spend time confessing and repenting to the Lord, and then your huddle leader.