Surprised by Scripture: Part 2

What do Russell Grant and King Saul have in common? Up until today I would have answered…. “very little.”
So what’s changed? Today I came across an event in Saul’s life that I don’t think I’ve ever been aware of before.  He’s facing an enemy invasion and is really intimidated by it, unsure of what to do he seeks the advice of Samuel the prophet.  No problem at all, right?  Good idea to get advice from a religious leader, right?  Well it is if they’re still alive!  Samuel was dead and Saul contacts him via some wacko medium.  Interestingly earlier in Saul’s life he had expelled mediums and spiritists from the land.  Now in a time of panic and insecurity he disobeys a direct command from God about contacting the dead.

“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:31

Seances, mediums, psychics, fortune tellers, magic 8 balls and Russell Grant’s interpretation of your birthday all have at their root a lack of faith in God’s guidance. Christians need to demonstrate trust in Him by avoiding all these practices.

God makes a promise that if taken seriously would put the fortune tellers out of business.

^{Isaiah 58:11}
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

The LORD will guide you always.
Saul should have contacted the living God for guidance – not a dead prophet!