1 Samuel 28

The Bible consistently describes the intermediate state between death and resurrection as an unconscious sleep, from which good and evil must be awakened before beginning to experience their eternal destiny.  This story seems to contradict that theology, but it really does not. 

1. If this was really a revival of Samuel, it was a miracle of God. The medium herself was surprised to see him (12). She probably expected a demon pretending to be him. 
2. Note that she did not see Samuel descend from heaven.  She said she saw him “coming up out of the earth” (13).
3. Samuel’s question to Saul was not “why have you interrupted my bliss in heaven and brought me down”? It was “why have you disturbed me by bringing me up”? (15). These are the words of an old man aroused from a deep sleep.
4. If Samuel had been in heaven, why did he tell Saul “tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me” (19)?  Was God judging Saul for his disobedience, and then accepting him in heaven anyway?  If that was the case, why did that lead to such fear for Saul?

Death is not the reward for which the believer seeks.  We seek that reward in resurrection life.  The story of the medium at Endor is the exception that proves the rule.

LORD, we wait for you, not our deaths.  You are our rescuer and redeemer.   We long to put on our heavenly dwellings, our immortal bodies.