25 March | Teens
«So Saul died, and his three sons, and his armourbearer, and all his men, that same day together.» 1 Samuel 31: 6
In Saul's story, we learn about the consequences of not following God's directions and allowing pride and fear to guide us. Saul began his reign as God's chosen one, but over time, his actions showed disobedience and lack of faith. His inability to wait for Samuel, the improper offering of sacrifices, his obsession with persecuting David and his decision to seek guidance through a medium (like a witch of the time) rather than God are examples of how he strayed from the path God had laid out for him.
The tragic end of Saul, dying in battle along with his sons, reflects the grave consequences of his choices. His reign, which began with so much promise, ended in despair and defeat, not only for him but also for his family and his people.
The Bible does not hide the faults of its heroes. It's unique in doing that. Saul, for example, was the first king of Israel, but we have seen how many mistakes he made. And why do we have these reports? To learn from those mistakes. The Bible is full of stories that serve as a warning to us, showing us the consequences of not following God's way. These stories encourage us to stay on the path that God sees best for us, learning from the examples of the past so that we don't repeat the same mistakes.
Take Action
This week, reflect on the areas of your life where you may be resisting following God's directions. Write them down on a piece of paper and ask God to help you trust Him more and follow His ways in faith and obedience.