Building on the theme of "man" as "initiator" from our last blog entry, I was struck by an account of King Saul from 1 Samuel chapter 10.  By our created and redeemed nature, we (men) were created for influence/leadership.  Glorious power to build, develop, nurture, and transform was deposited in the fibers of our very being by God Himself.  Part of the fall, however, is the devious fear we have of owning our own God-given potential.  I'm not sure our common malady could be illustrated any more clearly than in the case we will examine of King Saul.

God had chosen him to be the first king of Israel.  God had made that clear already to Saul and to Samuel.  God had empowered Saul to miraculously prophecy through the power of the Holy Spirit.  And then through Samuel, God gathered the nation of Israel together to officially, publicly choose and anoint Saul as their king.  At the climactic moment of his announcement, the story unfolds as follows:  "And Saul the son of Kish was chosen; 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 Sam. 10:21-22  That is such an amazing picture of what each of us is tempted to do every day.

He was hiding himself by the baggage!  It was his coronation moment.  God had to expose him and call him out in order for him to take his throne.  I simply write this today my brothers to encourage you.  You are not alone in your feelings of inadequacy.  We all need a prodding to step up and take our designated places of influence in this world.  May God Himself expose and call you out today to take your rightful place in this world.  And, may you be the brother who lovingly prods another man to come out from behind his suitcase to be a man today!