According to that great documentary, “National Treasure” a treasure map is hidden on the back of the original Declaration of Independence. All you need is an oven and some lemons to make the map visible. But the map just leads to another clue, which leads to another clue, in a seemingly endless series of clues. Ok, it wasn’t really a documentary. It was an entertaining movie about millennia old conspiracies and the clues finally ended with the discovery of the Knights Templar Treasure buried in a secret vault deep below an old church building on Wall Street in NY.

While the movie gives a humorous portrayal of the absurdity of the conspiracy theories that run through the minds of many, it does recognize that there are genuine secrets that must be closely guarded. If for no other reason than to protect the innocent from the cruelty of vicious ungodly folk.

For instance when Samuel was told to stop mourning for Saul God gave him a secret mission – go anoint the new king (1 Samuel 16:1). Since the old king was still alive and well it was a dangerous task, especially considering how Saul had physically attacked Samuel the last time they were together. “But Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you; for you have rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD has rejected you from being king over Israel.” As Samuel turned to go, Saul seized the edge of his robe, and it tore.” (1 Samuel 15:26-27). Make no mistake that was a deliberate act of violence. Saul may not have intended to tear the robe, but he definitely intended to exert his power over Samuel by force. Which meant Saul was willing to violently attack God’s anointed. And if he was willing to attack Samuel imagine what he would do to a newly anointed king.

So, just like the secret map was hidden right out on display on the Declaration of Independence, God’s plan for His new king was hidden right out front for all to see. When Samuel voiced his concerns about the threat posed by Saul God told him to take an animal and declare that he was there to offer a sacrifice. Once he was there God would show him what to do (1 Sam 16:1-3).

Now, some today would accuse God of being dishonest for not openly declaring his purpose. But they would be wrong. God gave Samuel a legitimate way to explain his presence without lying, while keeping the underlying purpose hidden to protect the innocent. He had no obligation to tell the world, or even Israel, and especially not Saul that the future king was safely tucked away in Bethlehem. Samuel’s declaration to Saul in chapter 15 was a clue, as was his presence in Bethlehem. More clues were coming, but that’s another study for another day.

Two thoughts for us. First, we have to be able to keep secrets all the time when people share information with us that is not ours to share with others. Nor is it the business of others so a refusal to answer is entirely appropriate. A gentle “It’s none of your business” may even be necessary. God did it and so can we. Second, the purpose of the secret was to eventually bring God’s ultimate king into the world, King Jesus. He is the Ultimate Treasure, and that’s no longer a secret so let’s openly declare our allegiance to him by how we live as much as by what we say.