“Do you see the man the Lord has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people.” 1 Samuel 10: 24
This is the Old Testament story about how God chose Saul to be the first king of Israel. The people had prayed and prayed for a king to unite them. Finally God granted their wish and Samuel the prophet followed God’s promptings and narrowed down His choice first by tribe, then clan, then to Saul of Kish. But where was Saul? God knew. He told Samuel he could find Saul hiding in the baggage! When they brought him out, even as a young man he was the tallest in the crowd- he was unique.
A funny story. But is that not how God works? The people He calls are unique. You are unique and so am I. We have potential that God knows He can use. Perhaps like Saul, you have been hiding in the background. I imagine Saul had been the subject of ridicule by his peers because he was different. Have you been? Christians are called to be different – to be like no one else in the crowd. The light of the Holy Spirit living in us makes us unique. It will draw some near, it will repel others, but everyone who comes in contact with a Christian whose light is bright will react. You can’t hide it under a bushel – or in the baggage of life. Doesn’t work. God will seek you out, just as He did Saul.
The Good News. You do not have to hide; in fact it is useless to try. But with God as your strength and guide, you’ll be all right out in the open doing His will, just as long as you stay close to Him though prayer and the Word. Because when God is with you, who can be against you? Another Saul, who later changed his name to Paul learned that lesson, too. So come out in the open and shine!
Heavenly Lord, You seek us out. You have a plan for all your children to spread the Good News of Your Kingdom – to shine in a darkened world. Let us not draw away and hide from what You are calling us to do, or say or be. Instill in us the desire to serve You and to know that no matter what, You will always be right there beside us to comfort, strengthen and provide just as You promise in Your Word. Amen.
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16
