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point of no return

1 Samuel 28:15-25 (JDV)

1 Samuel 28:15 “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Samuel asked Saul. “I’m in serious trouble,” replied Saul. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He doesn’t answer me anymore, either through the prophets or in dreams. So, I’ve called on you to tell me what I should do.”
1 Samuel 28:16 Samuel answered, “Since Yahveh has turned away from you and has become your enemy, why are you asking me?
1 Samuel 28:17 Yahveh has done exactly what he said through me: Yahveh has torn the kingship out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David.
1 Samuel 28:18 You did not obey Yahveh and did not execute his burning anger against Amalek; therefore, Yahveh has done this to you today.
1 Samuel 28:19 Yahveh will also hand Israel over to the Philistines along with you. Tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. Also, Yahveh will hand Israel’s army over to the Philistines.”
1 Samuel 28:20 Immediately, Saul fell flat on the ground. He was terrified by Samuel’s words and was also weak because he had not eaten anything all day and all night.
1 Samuel 28:21 The woman came over to Saul, and she saw that he was terrified and said to him, “Notice, your servant has obeyed you. I took my throat in my hand and did what you told me to do.
1 Samuel 28:22 Now please listen to your servant. Let me set some food in front of you. Eat and it will give you strength so you can go on your way.”
1 Samuel 28:23 He refused, saying, “I won’t eat,” but when his servants and the woman urged him, he listened to them. He got up off the ground and sat on the bed.
1 Samuel 28:24 The woman had a fattened calf at her house, and she quickly slaughtered it. She also took flour, kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread.
1 Samuel 28:25 She served it to Saul and his servants, and they ate. Afterward, they got up and left that night.

point of no return

Saul had decided on a last-minute appeal to Samuel, but his ploy did not work. He discovered that God had already condemned him for his rebellion. He had reached the point of no return. Our God is a gracious God, but he will not be played with. Today he offers us forgiveness and restoration, but if we continue in rebellion, we may reach a point where the offer is rescinded. Do not delay!