The LORD will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.
1 Samuel 28:19 NIV
Saul was the first king of Israel. But, unfortunately, he was less than faithful to the God who had selected him to be king. Saul repeatedly disobeyed God, doing things his own way. And when God had David anointed as the next king, Saul spent most of his time trying to destroy him. In the end, the Lord abandoned him and refused to offer him guidance.
So Saul, preparing for a battle, resorted to using a medium to call up Samuel from the dead, seeking his advice. Samuel’s words to Saul were less than encouraging. Because of Saul’s disobedience, he had lost the right to rule. And in the next day’s battle, he would lose his life. Along with his sons and many others.
Sin’s Consequences
The consequences of Saul’s sin were far-reaching, extending beyond just himself. They impacted his family and the nation as a whole. Few of us are in the position that Saul was in. Most people’s sphere of influence is much smaller. Yet the consequences of our sin still reach beyond us to others we encounter.
Sometimes those consequences are obvious. But often they are more subtle. My sin impacts my relationship with God. And when that relationship is bad, it has a negative impact on others around me. On my family. Those I work and socialize with. And the church I am a part of. While my sin may not lead to the loss of a war or my life, it is good to keep in mind that the consequences of my sin are far-reaching, impacting more than just myself.
