Scripture
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
~1 Samuel 15:23, NKJV
Quote
Our present culture has given itself to rebellion. They have embraced blasphemy, homosexuality, fornication, pornography, adultery, hatred, bitterness and violence.
~Ray dis Comfort
Saul is one of Israel’s many kings who got off to a good start but had a miserable finish. It is true that his problems began with his jealously of David but his downfall was willful disobedience to a clear and specific command. Saul took his disobedience to God lightly but Samuel didn’t. Samuel knew that rebellion is an open door; an invitation for Satan to come in and set up a stronghold. The demons didn’t pass up the opportunity; Saul became a mad man full of bitterness, hate and jealously. The writer of Proverbs said, “An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.” Saul gave himself to rebellion and in doing so opened himself up to the demonic realm. These demonic forces worked against Saul and pulled him down.
Rebellion frightens me. It is impossible to rebel against God without consequences and demon possession is one of those consequences. I don’t remember the exact year but I do know it was in the 80’s. Anita Bryant made a public statement denouncing homosexuality and a firestorm of negative publicity and hate broke out. Southern Baptist wanted to give her an expression of support and they invited her to be on program at the SBC annual meeting in Atlanta. I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s before the gays came out of the closet and I knew very little about the movement but they were demonstrating outside the convention center in Atlanta and it was one of the most disturbing sights I’ve ever seen. Those going in to the convention center had a narrow walk way {16-20 feet wide} and you had to march by the demonstrators who were staring at us and yelling obscenities. I will not lie, it shook me up. When I finally got inside the convention hall, I bowed my head in shame and remorse and wept. The thing I remember most was their eyes. Their eyes were penetrating like coals of fire; it was as if you were looking into the eyes of the demons themselves.
Note Proverbs 17:11 once more, An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.” The word messenger is literally angel. A cruel angel is a demon sent to destroy or pull down. Demon possession is no laughing matter; you see what they did to Saul. When ever you see rebellion and defiance, the demons are there, doing what they do best which is to destroy.
EXTRA
Today is a day to tie up some loose ends as we get ready for a busy, busy weekend. We give blood today, prepare for BP tonight, Wade’s COLS tomorrow morning at 11:30 and then Block Party at 6:00, Sunday services at 9:00 and 10:15 and then REVIVE NOW YOUTH RALLY Sunday night. It is a marathon weekend! Pray that we will be in the right place at the right time.
A lot of you have asks about June and we appreciate it. She is scheduled for surgery on October 20. It is an 8 hour surgery. The doctor left it up to her. She will not be pain free but it should increase her quality of life.