Saul brought his family into the world of occultism and witchcraft due to his disobedience and impatience towards God’s commands. Unlike David, who later showed true remorse and sought God’s forgiveness, Saul refused to take responsibility for his mistakes. He argued with God and placed blame elsewhere, driven by fear and making foolish decisions instead of admitting his wrongdoing and seeking redemption. This serves as a warning for ministers of the gospel, reminding them of the importance of living out their destinies and fulfilling their ministry responsibilities.
“And Samuel said to Saul, thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: for now, would the Lord have established thy kingdom upon Israel forever. But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee. And Samuel arose, and gat him up from Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul numbered the people that were present with him, about six hundred men”
(1 Samuel 13:13-15).
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Surprisingly, one would expect Saul to show some level of remorse after Samuel’s verdict on him, his family, and throne. But Saul was unmoved. Samuel gave details of Saul’s sins, criticized his foolish actions and disobedience to God’s command, and consequently terminated his Kingship. Yet, Saul did not show any remorse or sign of repentance. He allowed Samuel to leave without settling issues with him and God. Instead, Saul numbered the people with him and went to war with the Philistines, ignoring Samuel’s decree and never returned to ask for his help.
Yet without his repentance, God, by His mercies and grace, gave him victory over his enemies. There is a principle here: achieving victory after gross disobedience, doing exploits by praying and receiving answers to your prayers, and increasing material prosperity in sin and disobedience to God’s Word do not equate to God’s approval for you to continue in sin. It is just a matter of time before you discover it had been God’s grace all along.
“Then Saul went up from following the Philistines: and the Philistines went to their own place. So, Saul took the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and whithersoever he turned himself, he vexed them. And he gathered a host, and smote the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them”
(1 Samuel 14:46-48).
Many leaders in families, communities, and churches have knowingly violated God’s commandments and laws, indulged in immoral behavior, and committed various sins, yet still enjoy material prosperity in their pursuits. This was the case with King Saul. Prosperity that stems from sin is a deceptive tactic of witchcraft that leads to involvement in the occult. When you sin and refuse to repent, the devil will plant within you a seed of witchcraft, a desire for temporary blessings over a relationship with God, and a sense of prosperity and success without holiness. This will cause you to live unrighteously until you are separated from God’s presence. If you see someone thriving and enjoying life while living in sin, do not be envious or admiring in any way, as they could be on the path towards bondage through witchcraft.
“Samuel also said unto Saul, The Lord sent me to anoint thee to be king over his people, over Israel: now therefore hearken thou unto the voice of the words of the Lord. Thus, saith the Lord of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass”
(1 Samuel 15:1-3).
Do you realize that with atrocities of Saul, God in His grace and mercy still sent Samuel to him for other assignments? What does that tell you? Occupying or retaining divine position after committing sin without genuine repentance does not suggest that you are right with God. Likewise, receiving prophesies or hearing God’s Word while living in sin is not an evidence that you are a child of God. When you continue in your sins, you make mockery of your calling and anointing, if there is any. Having victory in war or receiving answers to your prayers as a sinner cannot equate to God being happy with you as long as sin reigns supreme in your life. Healing the sick, delivering captives, casting out of demons and getting victory over your enemies while remaining in sin are not guarantees that God is with you.