“Baggage” has some very different connotations, doesn’t it?
On the one hand, it’s just that thing that holds all the stuff you need. As a World Racer, this is especially true. My backpack is my prized possession…the thing carrying my bed, my house, my clothes and anything else I own this year.
But the other definition of baggage is “things that encumber one’s freedom, progress, development, or adaptability; impediments”.
And it’s to this second definition that I draw your attention today.
The Book of 1 Samuel tells so many incredible stories, each piece interwoven into this bigger, more elaborate tapestry. Hannah suffered infertility and shame that drove her to a place of desperation before the Lord. This leads her to dedicate her son to the Lord. Eli raises him in the temple and when his own sons are killed because of their wickedness, God raised up little Samuel to be his mouthpiece to Israel. And it was Samuel who would later anoint and raise up two of the most famous Kings of Israel: Saul and David.
Saul is described as “the most handsome man in Israel- head and shoulders taller than anyone else in the land” [1 Samuel 9:2]. The early accounts of him prove him to be a man of noble character, a hard worker who sought the Lord in all he did.
When Samuel goes to him, he plainly tells him the Lord’s plan, anoints him, and instructs him to wait for the confirming signs. And thus, Saul became the Lord’s anointed, chosen for the great work of leading His precious possession. The Spirit came upon Saul, equipping him further for this task.
There’s no pomp and circumstance, no grand coronation. Just this intimate conversation.
Then Samuel calls together all of Israel. I imagine it something like the Grammy’s of the Oscar’s.
Whispers spread through the crowd, everyone hedging their bets on who it will be. And then comes the moment, being drawn out as long and dramatically as possible “and the award goes to…”
Samuel tells the people to present themselves by tribes and clans. The tribe of Benjamin is chosen by lot. Then each family is brought forward. The family of Matrites is chosen. And finally, from among this family, “Saul, son of Kish!” The crowd applauds, and the camera pans over to capture his reaction, but he’s not there.
While everyone else is waiting and anticipating the news, Saul already knows what’s about to happen. So where is he?
“the Lord replied, ‘He is hiding among the baggage.’ So they brought him out and he stood head and shoulder above anyone else.”
[1 Samuel 10:22-23]
If you’re laughing right now as you picture this, then that makes two of us.
Imagine! This tall, handsome man, respected by all, now chosen to be your King…hiding out amongst the baggage, shying away from the call of the Lord. And when he decides to be a big boy and come out of his hiding place, he stands “head and shoulders” above everyone else.
We do this.
I do this.
God naturally equips us, then doubles it with his blessing, strengthening us in this secret place.
But when we get around our family and our peers, we start to doubt our ability to live up to this thing, so we hide. We sandwich ourselves nice and snug between all the suitcases of insecurity, pain, and yesterdays.
“God I can’t move into this next season of my life because…” and we have nice, long lists of all of our shortcomings and failures…
“things that encumber one’s freedom, progress, development, or adaptability”. Baggage.
But let me tell you, God never dregs up the guilt of yesterday. We do.
So you (yeah, you) hiding there among the luggage…it’s laughable!
He has raised you up, called you out, equipped you for his service! He has MADE you worthy.
You’re right…you aren’t on your own. You’ve made mistakes, you’ve failed. And (knowing the story of Saul) you will again! But you are the Lord’s anointed! Start acting like it. Walk in courage, come out of the baggage claim.
