45. Did You Ask?

Today’s Scripture reading comes from 1 Chronicles 10:13-14, quoting from the NASB:

“So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against the LORD, because of the word of the LORD which he did not keep; and also because he asked counsel of a medium, making inquiry of it, and did not inquire of the LORD. Therefore He killed him and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse.”

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“You didn’t ask!”

Perhaps someone has made that retort to you when you finally came around to finding “the right question” to your question. Possibly, you have found yourself on the delivery end of that statement.

Saul, Israel’s first king, turned to the wrong source when his heart overruled the sound, Spirit directed guidance he should have sought. Instead of turning to God who established him as king, he turned to a spiritist or fortune teller for direction. Saul failed to present himself to God, choosing rather to put his trust in man’s counsel. Consequently, he lost his kingdom and his life.

Not his first lapse in judgment in this area, Saul may have succumbed to the proverbial “If you can’t stand the answer, don’t ask the question.” Because he refused to know God’s heart, Saul lost his life.

God’s first requirement is obedience. It offends God when we turn from “obedience to his voice” to other means of direction. He is jealous for our loyalty. Consider a spouse asking a neighbor to do something her husband was well qualified to do but not given the chance to accomplish. Understandably, the husband’s jealousy meter would be off the chart.

Honestly, we may not always know the right question to ask or the best person to address a concern. That, however, was not the case with Saul, who died because he did not keep the word God had given him. Saul’s willful disobedience prompts the questions: Have you done the last thing God asked you to do? Did you understand the tasking, or do you need to return to Him for direction or clarification?

From whom do you seek advice and in whom do you place your trust when it seems you are not receiving discernable direction from God? Asking counsel of wise people is a Scriptural response, and so is asking God to keep you from presumption. To presume is to say, “I know best. I do not need to ask God.” Not seeking God’s heart will not excuse you.

 

// Points to Ponder

Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor.

The Scripture speaks volumes about seeking counsel and sound wisdom:

1. First, Proverbs 3:5-6 warns against depending on one’s own understanding.
2. Second, Psalm 119:24 states that the Scriptures are delightful counselors. Allow God’s Word, precepts, and instructions to be your “go to” source.
3. Third, James 1:5 encourages, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God.” Will you ask God first and allow Him to point you in the right direction?

 

// Monthly Evaluation

It’s time for a quick monthly evaluation. Click here to download the monthly reflection sheet. Use the reflection sheet to help gauge your habit of integrating faith and profession, and to help get you into the habit of keeping a written record of those times when the Holy Spirit speaks to you.

 

// About the Narrator

An Army ROTC grad from Tennessee Tech University, serving both on active duty and in the reserves, Lucy is a retired U.S. Army Reserve LTC and works for the Army's 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, KY. She and her husband, Greg, are OCF Associate Field Staff for ROTC and are involved with local OCF Bible Studies on the local college campus and at Fort Campbell. Lucy accepted Christ as Savior in high school and is growing to let Him be Lord in every area of life.

 

// Purchase a Copy

Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.