Hiding in the Baggage (God in Every Season Devotion Series)
Reflection on 1 Samuel 22:10
“So they inquired further of the Lord, “Has the man come here yet?” And the Lord said, “Yes, he has hidden himself among the supplies.” 1 Samuel 22:10 (NIV)
I have always been the champion at playing hide and seek; as a child, and now as an adult joining in on the game with my cousins. Saul, however, mentioned in the verse 1 Samuel 10:22 NIV, was clearly not great at hiding, as Samuel found him with a little bit of help.
This verse has always bewildered me. Why would a man, about to be made King, be hiding in the baggage? Now, I am no scholar or theologian, however, I doubt Saul was playing a game of hide and seek with the neighbour children.
What I can assume is being King is a lot of responsibility, and it is easy to hide from responsibility; to take responsibility for our own actions and choices; to take responsibility to use the gifts and talents God has given us; to take responsibility for the care of others. Regardless of Saul’s hiding in the baggage, he was found and annointed King. Responsibility found him.
Saul’s first few moments as King include a long list of responsibilities and public rejection. That does not seem like an ideal start to Kingship.
My reflection reading this verse is that sometimes, we are brave and don’t hide from responsibility, and sometimes, it is easier to hide in the baggage and let responsibility pass us by.
I pray you and I have the courage to step out of hiding in the areas of our lives where we have been given or thrust into responsibility. Be encouraged and be strong.
I would like to leave you with this benediction to mull upon:
A Franciscan Blessing
“May God bless you with discomfort, at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears, to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen”
Written by Ella Lander
Office and Communications Manager
Elevate Christian Disability Trust