When Saul saw the vast Philistine army, he became frantic with fear. He asked the Lord what he should do, but the Lord refused to answer him, either by dreams or by sacred lots or by the prophets. 1 Samuel 28:5-6 NLT
Read 1 Samuel 28.
Did you know that God still speaks today? Many may debate about how He speaks, but it is certain that we can hear Him speak to us if we would listen. Predominantly, He speaks through Scripture. That is His written Word to us, and it is specifically, word-for-word, the message He purposely inspired the men of God to pen and pass down through the generations.
How else does He speak? Often, the Holy Spirit gives gentle nudges or speaks softly and tenderly in our spirits, which most would describe as an impression more than an audible voice. This will never contradict Scripture, but it often specifies an application of something in Scripture. For example, the Bible teaches us to give generously, and the Holy Spirit may put someone specifically on our hearts who may need our help.
Because the gift of prophecy has often been abused or mocked, we often feel skeptical when someone claims to speak the words of the Lord. We certainly do need to test the spirits and be sure of the origin of the message rather than automatically taking everything we hear as the sacred words of God. However, we don’t want to be so cynical that we miss the real thing.
God does speak through people often, and it doesn’t always begin with “Thus sayeth the Lord.” God will lead others to bring us words of encouragement or instruction at times, and we need to be humble and pray before claiming those words as from God to us. We also need to compare the message against Scripture.
Additionally, we may often hear from God through sermons, Bible teachers, counselors, books, music, our circumstances, and in prayer. When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, the Bible says that Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. We become the temples of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit reveals things to us from God, as explained in 1 Corinthians 2.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. (verse 12)
Numerous Scriptures reinforce the idea that the Holy Spirit lives within us, teaches us, counsels us, directs us, and reveals God’s truths to us. Here are a few if you want to research further:
Matthew 10:20; Luke 12:12; John 10:27; 14:15-17, 26; 16:7-15; Acts 2:4, Romans 8:14, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19; 14:27-33; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:13; Hebrews 3:7, Isaiah 11:2, and many more!
But, what happens when we no longer hear from God? What are some things that can hinder us from hearing the voice of God?
That is exactly where King Saul is in today’s chapter. He had been accustomed to hearing from the Lord when making decisions in the past, but he is now drawing a blank. Samuel had died, and Saul no longer had the prophet of God to rely on to seek God on his behalf.
The Philistines were gathered for battle, and now David was working for King Achish of the Philistines as his body guard. When Saul saw the massive army gathered to attack, he was petrified with fear. He began seeking the Lord about what to do, but he heard nothing. His sin had blocked him from being able to hear the voice of the Lord.
As we may have experienced, fear can make a person do some crazy things! Saul had banned all mediums and psychics from the land, but now in his desperation, he went straight to the witch of Endor to get help.
He continues to add more foolishness to His list of dumb ideas!
Of course, he had to wear a disguise since he was seeking help within the very territory he had barred from the kingdom. If any of them would have seen Saul, surely, they would not be willing to give themselves away. However, this particular witch recognized Saul and became frantic.
Saul swore an oath not to arrest her, and she complied. He asked her to call upon the spirit of Samuel.
Here is where the story becomes controversial. When Samuel appears, most would argue that this could not really be Samuel since he had already ascended to heaven, and the dead cannot descend back to the earth. Perhaps it was a demon impersonating him. I am not sure. However, one thing I do know is that Saul was convinced it really was Samuel
“Why have you disturbed me by calling me back?” Samuel asked Saul. (verse 15)
Saul explained that he was in trouble with the Philistines, and he didn’t know what to do. He was not on speaking terms with God at the moment.
I could not possibly be able to say this any better than Samuel. He let Saul have it!
But Samuel replied, “Why ask me, since the Lord has left you and has become your enemy? The Lord has done just as he said he would. He has torn the kingdom from you and given it to your rival, David. The Lord has done this to you today because you refused to carry out his fierce anger against the Amalekites. What’s more, the Lord will hand you and the army of Israel over to the Philistines tomorrow, and you and your sons will be here with me. The Lord will bring down the entire army of Israel in defeat.” 1 Samuel 18:16-19 NLT
Saul was so upset that he fell to the floor, paralyzed with fear. The witch prepared something for him to eat and regain his strength.
Saul’s sins had caught up with him, and his time was up. Because of his disobedience and sin, he had lost the intimacy he had once had with the Lord.
When we feel that we no longer hear from the voice of the Lord, we must take a long, hard look at ourselves and question why we are experiencing a dry season. There may be a time when God is quiet to test your faith and cause you to seek him more intently. That is quite possible!
However, if you have sin that has polluted you spiritually, it’s time to come clean. Repentance is the key! It is like tuning the radio dial so you can receive those Holy Spirit radio waves once again!
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 NLT
