Introduction: In 1 Samuel 28 we read this episode of wicked King Saul first disguising himself to get his way. Second, wicked King Saul practices necromancy in this episode. He consults a medium and summons the dead. Third, we see wicked King Saul be again rejected by God due to his (Saul’s) disobedience and lack of integrity.

• Disguises
• Spiritual darkness
• Divine rejection

First, “So Saul disguised himself and put on other garments and went, he and two men with him. And they came to the woman by night” (1 Sam 28:8a, ESV). Disguises. Masks. Saul’s wickedness is on full display.

Second, “And he [Saul] said, ‘Divine for me by a spirit and bring up for me whomever I shall name to you.’” (1 Sam 28:8b, ESV). That’s spiritual darkness on full display. Consulting a medium is strictly forbidden in Scripture (Lev 19:31; 20:6, 27; Dt 18:10-12; 1 Sam 15:23).

Third, the truth-teller and prophet of God again was the vessel through which God rejected wicked King Saul:

15 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul answered, “I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. Therefore I have summoned you to tell me what I shall do.” 16 And Samuel said, “Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy? 17 The Lord has done to you as he spoke by me, for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. 18 Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord and did not carry out his fierce wrath against Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day. 19 Moreover, the Lord will give Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The Lord will give the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.” (1 Sam 28:15-19, ESV)

• Disguises
• Spiritual darkness
• Divine rejection

Encouragement: What we see repeatedly with the wrong leader is narcissism and weakness of character. Saul was a man of disguises, of masks. He was a fraud. His kingship was characterized by darkness, secrecy, suspicion, envy, and insecurity. What he feared more than anything else was for the spiritual lights to shine in on his backroom deals. Finally, however, we see God remove him. God had his truth-teller Samuel who again served to teach wicked King Saul that he was a dead man walking.

How is this instructive for us? We are to be a people of discernment and not be deceived by the Sauls of the world. We’re to seek out leaders who care for the sheep rather than fleece the flock for their own comfort. We are to watch how our leaders respond to demands for transparency and for the light to be shone upon them. Lord, forgive us for falling for salesmen. Teach us to cultivate authentic shepherds. Equip us to understand the times in order that we know what to do. Raise up Godly shepherds for Your people.