A Prophecy Fulfilled

While David was defeating the Amalekites, “the armies of Israel appeared to have the tactical advantage in choosing Mt. Gilboa for their stand. . . . Nevertheless Israel fell. The apostasy of Saul, who sought help from a familiar spirit, had precipitated the disaster. Israel had been forewarned that in the day of their refusal to be guided by the Lord’s statutes and covenant, they would ‘flee when none pursueth’ (Lev. 26:17).” “Why did the Lord permit Jonathan to be slain along with his father when his attitudes were totally contrary to those of Saul? Why could not he, a spiritual-minded soul, disavowing his father’s ideals, and sympathetically knitting himself with David in following the opening providences of the Lord, have been permitted to live? . . . This is a question beyond the ability of man to answer. . . . The records of sacred history reveal that persecution and death have been the lot of the righteous in all ages. Because of the implications of the great controversy Satan must be granted an opportunity to afflict the righteous. But the Christian’s comfort is that though the adversary may be able to destroy the body, he is not able to destroy the soul (Matt. 10:28). Once the relationship of the soul to God has been unalterably decided upon, the continuance or discontinuance of this present life is not of prime importance.” Being wounded by Philistine archers, Saul feared he would be tortured if captured in a wounded state (1 Samuel 31:4). He fell on his own sword (v. 4) and possibly begged an Amalekite to slay him (2 Samuel 1:1–10). Thus, Saul died an ignominious death.

“Saul, by his own volition, had invited the prince of darkness to control him. His master had paid him his wages.” Whose side do you choose to be on in the great controversy between Christ and Satan?