In today's reading we see a passage of 1 Samuel which draws critical fire quite easily. Notice how it seems that Saul is anointed twice to be the king of Israel. The first time he seems to be willing and the second time he seems to be less willing. In fact, he is hiding when it is time for him to be anointed king. What can we do with this oddity? Observe with me that the first time Saul is anointed it is fairly privately, with Samuel and a few witnesses present. Samuel gives him some directions, which Saul follows. And the culmination of those directions brings Samuel and Saul together in the presence of many witnesses who are expecting the anointing of a new king. There's nothing inharmonious about this at all. We simply see that Saul is being publicly acknowledged as the king, where before there was a private acknowledgement. Why would Saul be hiding today? Would you be hiding if you realized you were about to become king of Israel? I most certainly would hide!
May the Lord use us in the positions of leadership and authority which he desires. May he give us his grace to serve him in whatever way he sees fit. May we receive the direction of our Lord and Savior to act as loving servants to our neighbors, whether as kings or pot-scrubbers.
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