Daily Manna
Obedience, Not Religion
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Key Verse
“And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee” (1 Samuel 28:8).
TEXT — 1 Samuel 28:7-15
Message
Often times, many people find it easy to defend themselves. Even when there are obvious lapses, they rationalise such faults; but God sticks to His standard. Saul, the first king of Israel claimed innocence when he brought alive Agag, king of Amorites and some other animals for sacrifice. He had been commanded to utterly destroy every living creature in the city but he did his own will and not God’s. He did not see anything wrong in what he did; he claimed self-righteousness. He lost fellowship with God.
In our text, we read of Saul’s visit to the woman with familiar spirit at Endor. God had refused to answer Saul’s enquiry either by dreams, Urim or the prophets. He became afraid and his heart trembled as he saw the host of the Philistines gathered to war with Israel. He needed late Samuel’s advice on his next move. King Saul had to disguise himself as an ordinary man.
How many people today go about wearing a toga of Christianity without knowing God! There are many disguised people in the church today, who do not hear from God like Saul. They lack close relationship with Christ and only identify with Him by religious observances. They do not see anything wrong with partial or lack of obedience. In times of adversity, such people seek help secretly, like Saul, from sorcerers. Yet, they are known as ‘Christians’ in the fold.
Today, if all you boast of is observance of religious principles and rites, you may be disappointed on the final day. Saul lost it when he disobeyed God; and the Scriptures say disobedience is like the sin of witchcraft; and no disobedient or self-righteous person will enter heaven. Remember, God will not judge on the basis of the standard you set for yourself but on His word and your obedience.
Thought for the day
Remove the disguise of religion and be obedient.
BIBLE
in one year
PSALM 110 – 118
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