How does Saul's hiding reflect human reluctance to accept God's calling? Saul’s Moment of Truth 1 Samuel 10:22 — “Therefore they inquired of the LORD further, ‘Has the man come here yet?’ And the LORD said, ‘Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.’” What Saul’s Hiding Tells Us about Human Nature • Fear of visibility: stepping into God-given spotlight feels risky. • Sense of inadequacy: “I’m not enough” whispers louder than God’s voice. • Desire for comfort: baggage offers familiar cover when obedience looks costly. • Pride in disguise: reluctance can mask worry about others’ opinions. Echoes of Reluctance in Scripture • Moses — “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11 – 4:13) • Gideon — “My clan is the weakest” (Judges 6:15) • Jeremiah — “I do not know how to speak” (Jeremiah 1:6) • Jonah — boards a ship the opposite direction (Jonah 1:3) • Peter — “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8) God’s Steady Response to Hesitation • He chooses anyway — 1 Samuel 9:16; John 15:16. • He equips — 1 Samuel 10:1, 9-10; 2 Corinthians 3:5-6. • He pursues — the LORD points out Saul’s hiding place; Psalm 139:7-10. • He reassures — Isaiah 41:10; 2 Timothy 1:7. Why Accepting the Call Matters • Obedience aligns us with God’s purposes (Ephesians 2:10). • Others depend on our faithfulness; Israel awaited leadership (Romans 12:5-6). • Joy flows from surrendered service (John 15:11). • Delayed obedience invites discipline, as Saul later discovered (1 Samuel 13:13-14). Living It Out Today • Remember who calls you — the sovereign LORD, not human opinion. • Trade hiding places for His presence through daily Scripture intake. • Speak truth to fear: “The One who calls you is faithful” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). • Step incrementally: act on the next clear instruction, not tomorrow’s unknowns. • Surround yourself with believers who fan the flame of God’s gift (2 Timothy 1:6). Saul’s baggage moment mirrors every heart that hesitates. When God calls, hiding never helps; trusting always does. |
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