Casualties of the War

All around us we can see the casualties of war. I'm not referring to the war on drugs, nor the war against terrorism. The war I'm referring to is the spiritual war that's raging in the world all around us. We can see victims of sin every day. Millions succumb to its deadly influence every day. The sad part is that most people do not even realize that such an intense battle is happening, or that the stakes are so high. But we must realize what is happening, if we hope to be saved. We have to stand against the wiles of the devil if we hope to be victorious in the end. But how do we do it? How are we supposed to win when so many are losing? We must look to God's word to receive the strength and the wisdom to overcome. The battle began long ago in the Garden of Eden, and has continued without interruption since. One thing is certain, Satan has not changed his plan, nor his basic means of attack. Why should he, since it has worked so well for so long? If we are aware of Satan's methods, we can be well equipped for the battle. Lets consider how Satan got the best of Israel's first king. The first book of Samuel marks the transition from the period of the Judges to the period of the united kingdom of Israel. The people cried out for a king, and God gave them their desire (Ch. 8). The first king chosen by God was Saul. He was the son of a mighty man, and he was taller and more handsome than any among the children of Israel (9:2, 21). Despite this, he was a very humble man. But his disposition changed over time, and he became very wicked. He fell under the awful influence of Satan, and he died an untimely and shameful death. How could such a hopeful man end up in such a sad condition?

Fear

God had worked some great things before Saul to bring him to the kingdom. He led him to Samuel, who told him faithfully of things to come. He was anointed king and accomplished a great victory over the Ammonites. He witnessed the miracle of a thunderstorm by the word of Samuel. Yet in all of these things, he still lacked the faith to trust in the word of the Lord. After he had reigned for some time, the Philistines gathered to battle against him. Saul was encamped at Gilgal, in the place Samuel had said for him to wait for seven days. On day seven, Samuel wasn't there. The soldiers were restless and afraid, and the Philistines were near. Saul saw the people being scattered from him and felt the need to make an unlawful offering to God. The text says, "...as soon as he had finished presenting the burnt offering, that Samuel came..." (13:10). His fear led him to sin. If he had only waited a little while longer, everything would have been fine. Satan works through fear, in fact he thrives when the children of God are afraid. We must take courage, if we are to overcome. "Watch, stand fast, be brave, be strong," (I Cor. 16:13).

Pride

After his unlawful sacrifice, Saul numbered the people and prepared for battle. But it was his son, Jonathan who would accomplish the victory. As the Philistine armies were fleeing, Saul was leading Israel in hard pursuit. This time his own pride almost cost him the life of his son. "And the men of Israel were distressed that day, for Saul had placed the people under oath, saying, "Cursed is the man who eats any food until I have taken vengeance on my enemies..." (14:24); Saul had placed his own desires above the needs of his people in a foolish abuse of his authority. Jonathan had not heard of this oath and tasted of some honey (vs. 27). When Saul found out, he was ready to kill him. If the people had not stepped up in his defense, Jonathan would have been dead. This pride later led to his intense hatred of David.

Greed

Saul continued to fight wars and have victory, and God accomplished great deliverance through him. Saul is given an opportunity to show his loyalty to God. Samuel tells him to completely destroy everything and everyone of Amalek. Saul defeated the Amalekites, yet spared the king and the best of the goods. God had given him so much, yet his greed made him want so much more. The things of this life do not satisfy. Perhaps Saul thought that just these few extra things would make him happy, but they did not. He was rebuked, and told that his kingdom would be given to another. Satan had gained the victory. Saul was never the same after that day, he only grew worse, farther from God and closer to hell. The sad results of a misplaced faith. Another casualty in the war against sin. One more life wasted. May this not be the lot of us today. May we ever strive to do what is right before God, lifting our eyes beyond this veil, looking toward eternity in heaven. May God bless you as you strive to do His will.