4 Sobering reminders about LIfe

 Read 1 Samuel 31. 

This is not a happy ending.  But with Saul there was little hope that it could end any differently than it did.  In fact, the tragic conclusion had been foretold by Samuel. 

Saul died while fighting the Philistines.  His three sons also were killed.  Included among them was Jonathan, David's best friend.  This was most likely the battle David would have participated in if Achish had not sent him home.  God protected David from being involved. 

Saul's sin and repeated disobedience to God not only cost his life and the lives of countless others, but the enemy gained a great victory.  The people of Israel abandoned some of their cities to escape.  These towns became part of the spoils of war. 

When the Philistines found the bodies of the king and his sons, they desecrated them and celebrated.  It was good news throughout the enemy's land. 

Saul's home town people recovered the royal remains, brought them home, and mourned for seven days. 

Here are some sobering reminders about the way we live our lives.

1. "None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself."  (Romans 14:7)

The way we live our lives and the way we respond to God's claims on our lives directly affects all those around us...for good or evil. 

2. "...and give the adversary no occasion for slander."  (2 Timothy 5:14b)

"...the accuser...who accuses...day and night before our God."  (Revelation 12:11)

Satan is energized when God's people mess up.  He goes right before the LORD and points out our wrong doings.  Then, he often mobilizes his own evil followers to take advantage and celebrate over our failures.  This is spiritual warfare that every believer faces daily. 

3. "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.  Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"  (1 John 5:4-5)

The good news of the gospel of Jesus is that we do not need to live in failure.  Forgiveness is ours.  Failure is not final.  We may stumble in the battle, but we have already won the war. 

4. "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."  (Ephesians 5:15)

Let's determine to use ours lives doing what God wants done, so that in our final analysis there is victory and reward.