The Road Away From The Capital

Spring, c. 33 AD

The Road Away From The Capital

The road out of Jerusalem heading north is crowded with returning pilgrims. Among them are the followers of the Nazarene, walking a path they have traveled countless times over the past three years. However, this journey is fundamentally different. They are no longer following a Rabbi to the next preaching engagement; they are traveling to a rendezvous with the resurrected Lord.

The conversations along the dusty road are undoubtedly filled with awe and debate. They are piecing together the events of the past weeks, comparing the words Jesus spoke to them with the reality of the empty tomb. The fear of the crucifixion is slowly being replaced by a resilient, burning hope.

"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them."
— Matthew 28:16 (LSB)

Timeline Box: The migration of the disciples to Galilee was a key transitional period in the forty days before the Ascension.

United Kingdom Era, c. 1043 BC

Saul Is Hidden In The Baggage

The prophet Samuel has gathered all the tribes of Israel at Mizpah to officially select their first king by lot. The lot has fallen to Saul the son of Kish. However, when the people sought to present him, he could not be found. In a display of profound insecurity, the toweringly tall man was found hiding among the baggage.

"Therefore they asked of Yahweh further, 'Has the man come here yet?' So Yahweh said, 'Behold, he is hiding himself by the baggage.'"
— 1 Samuel 10:22 (LSB)

Timeline Box: The selection of Saul marks the dramatic shift from the era of Judges to the era of Kings.

Judges Era, c. 1162 BC

Gideon Reverses The Fleece Test

Still grappling with the monumental task of facing the Midianite army, Gideon has boldly asked God for one final test. This morning, he asked that the fleece remain completely dry while the surrounding ground is covered in dew. Once again, Yahweh demonstrated immense patience with His servant, doing exactly as Gideon asked. The divine commission is now undeniable.

"Then Gideon said to God, 'Do not let Your anger burn against me that I may speak once more... please let it be dry only on the fleece, and let there be dew on all the ground.'"
— Judges 6:39 (LSB)

Timeline Box: This second test solidified Gideon's faith before he gathered his army.

Editorial: Hiding From The Call

Both Saul and Gideon struggled deeply with their calling. Saul hid in the baggage to avoid the crown; Gideon wrung out a fleece twice to ensure he wasn't making a mistake. The weight of God's call can be terrifying.

The disciples likely felt a similar weight as they walked away from Jerusalem. They knew they were no longer just students; they were witnesses to the resurrection, and the world would soon demand answers from them. But unlike Saul, who relied on his own strength and eventually failed, the disciples are walking toward the Master. Our confidence must never come from our own abilities, but from the resurrected Christ who calls us out of the baggage.

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