NOTES for 1S 28:1-25

In the scene where Saul turns to the medium of Endor, we can easily see something very similar to our own actions. Saul knows perfectly well that one must not go to mediums; he himself drove them all away, but then an urgent need arose and he ran off to look for one. And what was so urgent? War is at hand, fear is in his heart, and God does not answer. It would seem that if God is silent, this must mean something; for some reason He does not want to speak. If someone does not want to communicate with me, then most likely I have wronged that person in some way. I should then clear up the relationship, ask forgiveness, and restore the broken bond. But no, Saul, like us in such situations, looks for another way. God does not want to communicate with me? Then I will force Him; I will not approach Him directly, but go in “through the back door.” I will obtain the information, or power, or health I need on my own terms. One can even mention the Lord in the process, swear by Him as Saul did, or recite some canonical prayer as various “magicians” recommend today — and all is well! No, today’s reading shows us that such tricks do not work with God. He is unchanging, and for our relationship with Him to change, we must change!