King Saul's Tragic End

King Saul faced a losing battle against the Philistines (v. 1). His three sons were slain (v. 2), and he was mortally wounded! To end his life, he “took a sword, and fell upon it” (v. 4), to avoid falling into the hands of the enemy. But the Philistines desecrated Saul’s body, along with the bodies of his three sons (v. 9). The great king of Israel became a symbol of mockery to the enemies of God! Samuel prophesied this tragic event (1 Sam 28:19), because of Saul’s disobedience to God’s voice (1 Sam 15:9). Saul had a promising start as a handsome, brave, and obedient young man (1 Sam 9:17), but ended in tragedy when he allowed compromise into his life that led to weakness and wickedness!

His shameful death did not have to happen like it did. He paid a terrible price because he failed to live according to God’s plan. Sadly, many people today live the same way – God wants to save (2 Pet 3:9), bless (Jn 10:10), and use them for His glory (1 Cor 10:31). But they reject and refuse to follow God’s way (Prov 1:24), thereby living a life of defeat and ultimately ending in a terrible place called hell (Lk 16:23)! It does not have to end that way. If you are not saved, you can trust Jesus alone as your Saviour and Lord by faith (Rom 10:13).

He is the only way to Heaven (Jn 14:6). If you profess to be saved but you are not in harmony with God’s will (Rom 12:2), then may I encourage you to get in tune today (Prov 3:7), so you and your family can avoid the same tragic ending that happened to Saul and his sons. Let’s not allow the dangers of envy, pride, disobedience, and personal insecurities to cloud our judgment and derail our walk with the Lord (Gal 5:16). We must remain steadfast (1 Cor 15:58), so we can finish strong (Php 3:14)! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera