The story is simple – In 1 Samuel 15, the Bible tells us of God’s command to Saul to complete a task for Him. However, Saul, lifted up with pride in himself, only half completed the task. And then when confronted by the prophet Samuel, he blamed the sin of incomplete obedience on the people. In response to this open rebellion against God’s authority, Samuel informed Saul that God was washing his hands of him. “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?” Samuel asked him. Then answering his own question, he added, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”
But Samuel wasn’t finished yet – He had a message from God for Saul. “Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” What a pronouncement! What a blow to Saul! Samuel then set about to find God’s choice to replace Saul as king.
The story continues – Saul continues on his downward spiral until we get to chapter 28. Saul is about to lead Israel into battle against the Philistines. He consults a witch, who summons Samuel's spirit, which tells him that God is going to deliver Israel into the hands of the Philistines and Saul and his sons will be killed. What a sad commentary – Saul goes from a place of prominence – a place of preeminence – a place of royalty – to a place of derision – a place of despair – a place of judgment. “…To morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me….”
Think about it! What would you do if you had but one day to live? What would be the priorities of your life? There used to be an old worldly beer commercial that said you need to grab all the gusto you can get – would that be your priority? Would you try to cram a lifetime of adventure in before you “kick the bucket”?
Here’s what I’d like to think I would do if I had one day to live.
First, I’d be sure I was saved. 2 Peter 1:10 tells us “to give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” There’s nothing more important in this life than salvation. If you go through this life with a false hope of salvation, then you are of all men most miserable. Make sure your salvation lines up with the scripture, not some man’s teachings.
Secondly, I’d make sure my Christian life was up to par. The Bible is very plain about how we are to live as Christians. Romans 12:2 tells us “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We are to live dedicated, consecrated, sanctified lives before God. For when this life is over, we will be judged for those things done in this life. It’s called the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Thirdly, I’d try to reach my loved ones for Christ. Even the rich man that died and went to hell in Luke 16 asked Abraham that Lazarus might go and tell his brothers not to come to that awful place. Nothing can be sadder than to live our lives on this earth as Christians and never even speak to those we love about their need for salvation.
Fourthly, I’d look forward with joy to dying and going to heaven. You know, this world is scared to death of dying – they don’t know the one that makes death desirable. I know where I’m going – I know I’ll spend eternity in heaven – I have no fear of death. We can rejoice in death, knowing that it is but a passing from this world to the next.
Quote – “People spend too much time making preparations for life on this earth and not making preparations for eternity.” – Dr. Bob Jones, Jr.
