Courage to Lead

"Thus Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. Then he brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its families, and the Matrite family was taken. And Saul the son of Kish was taken; but when they looked for him, he could not be found. Therefore they inquired further of the Lord, 'Has the man come here yet?' So the Lord said, 'Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage.'" -1 Samuel 10.20-22

The time has come for Saul's public declaration as Israel's king. Samuel gathers the nation and begins the lot casting process to reveal God's choice. The lot falls to Benjamin, then the Matrite family, and finally on Saul the son of Kish. The issue is that Saul is no where to be found. He has already been chosen by God privately, and experienced the truth of Samuel's words. But when the time comes for everything to become official in the eye's of the people, he is no where in sight.

I don't know why Saul hid. Maybe he was scared of being king. He was from the smallest tribe of Israel, and the lest family in the tribe (1 Samuel 9.21). But even so, he stood out among the people. He was head and shoulders over them, and has a heritage of valor and bravery (1 Samuel 9.1). He has experienced the power and presence of God's Spirit in his life, but now that it is time to take up the leadership he has been called to, he hides. Maybe he felt overwhelmed by the responsibility, but whatever the reason he is not present at the ceremony.

This causes certain, worthless men, to despise him. No leader is going to have the love and support of everyone, no matter how good of a leader they are. But our actions can dissuade some from following us who would have. If God has called us to leadership, and affirmed that call, then we must have the courage to lead, knowing that He will be with us.

Men, as a man you have been called to leadership. God has called you to be an example of His strength, justice, and love, in both your family, and also the world. It is a big calling, and many choose to hide from it. Let us not be found among the baggage.

Let us be men who have the courage to lead.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor