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The woman who has abandoned her folk practices to follow Jesus needs to understand that she will frequently be tempted to return to those practices. This lesson is a case study of individual who had obeyed God and gotten rid of all practices forbidden by God. There was nothing left in his whole kingdom. However, he had disobeyed God and had not repented of his sin. Therefore, when he needed a communication from God, he went back to his old practices. Even so, in the story we find that God gave him the opportunity to stop and return to being faithful.
It probably will be necessary for the teacher to review the life of Saul and be able to explain in a few sentences what had happened to him before this lesson starts. First Samuel 13 and 15 explain his disobedience of God’s commands that resulted in his separation from God. Saul did not take the necessary steps to restore his relationship with God. The Christian may enjoy reading this story at home but there will not be time during the lesson session to review all of the past history that makes this story so important. Satan knew Saul’s weakness and he tempted Saul at a time when he was tired and hungry and had allowed himself to be separated from God. It is important for the new Christian to identify the reason for Saul’s vulnerability as well as to recognize that God provided Saul with several opportunities to repent and stop his evil practice before he went too far.
The concept of shame and bringing shame on oneself or one’s family is important for the Muslim. Most have been taught that honor is very important and the worst thing that can be done is to bring shame onto the family name. For this reason, the Muslim convert will able to understand why Saul tries to disguise himself so that he would not be recognized. However, this lesson that one cannot hide from God and the shame of having disobeyed God.
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