When the Chosen King Hid Among the Baggage
His reign would be characterized by fear.
Was the chosen king simply running late?
Everyone looked for Saul, but they couldn’t find him. “Has the man come here yet?” the people asked. The LORD responded, “He has hidden himself among the baggage” (1 Samuel 10:22). When they brought Saul out of hiding, they quickly noticed that he was much taller than anyone else - and very handsome (1 Samuel 9:1-2). This was the kind of king they had been wanting!
But, since when do brave leaders hide in critical moments?
Godly leaders act with courage rather than cowering in fear.
Saul’s hiding in fear caused some to have serious doubt about his leadership. “How can this man save us?” some rebels said (1 Samuel 10:27). Later, Saul would admit to Samuel that he disobeyed God’s commands because he “feared the people” (1 Samuel 15:24).
Saul allowed fear to control his actions.
Courageous leaders - like David - don’t allow themselves to be controlled by fear. Courage is doing the right thing even if you feel afraid. No doubt David felt a little afraid when he fought a lion, bear, and eventually Goliath (1 Samuel 17). But he knew God was with him, and he knew it was the right thing to do.
Godly leaders commit to doing what’s right and don’t allow themselves to be controlled by fear.
Will you be courageous, or will you allow yourself to be controlled by fear?
Fearful people are easily controlled and manipulated.
Fearful people often know what’s right - but they are too afraid of what might happen to do what’s right.
King Saul’s fears eventually drove him mad in his quest to kill David. He was convinced David meant to do him harm - even though David demonstrated this wasn’t accurate multiple times. Fear will eventually drive “good people” to do things they wouldn’t normally do.
Are you allowing fear to control your decision-making? Or are you doing what’s right, even though you might be afraid?
God wants you to choose to be courageous, not fearful.
Would people find you hiding behind the frontlines or stepping out on the battlefield?
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