Chapter 11: Reflection

Guest post by Dave Allen, a "The Story" reader! 

I am beginning to see a trend: 

First, we had Moses, a murderer turned fugitive (Exodus 2:12-15), whom God called to deliver his enslaved people from the bondage in Egypt. 

And now we have David, a soon to be adulterer turned murderer (2 Samuel 11: 17), whom God calls to be the king if Israel. 

What will be next? Perhaps a thief on a cross together with Jesus in paradise (Luke 23:39-43). 

*Lucado has it correct “The Lord does not look at the things people look at, The Lord looks at the heart.” (pg.145)

David, a small unassuming shepherd boy, what an odd choice, to be the next king. Although he has been described as “glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features” (pg. 146), by all human judgment he certainly had no leadership experience that would qualify him to rule the troubled kingdom. 

Nonetheless, this sheep-keeping lad was God’s personal; choice. “Rise and anoint him,” the Lord commanded (Samuel 16:12), “this is the one.” 

So there he was, anointed and called .... and his simple life seems to become more and more troubled, as he spends most of his time trying to avoid being killed by the very king he had been anointed to replace! 

Even years later, long after he had been made king, his life always seemed clouded in sadness. I have noticed this within my own studies. While surveying those who have experienced theophonies (an appearance of God to people), most have reported an un-definable “cloud of grief” as a constant presence within their lives- as if God’s calling has brought them to the particular attention of the devil.

Granted in David’s case, he brought much of his observable trouble upon himself. The important lesson is that he made no excuses. He confessed his sins, accepted whatever judgment God determined, and continued onward toward the fulfillment of God’s purpose.

The nameless criminal is the only person to whom Jesus confirms that he will be together with him in paradise.

A CLOSING THOUGHT

Have you ever considered what Moses thought as God was listing the Ten Commandments and he got to the one that read “Thou shall not murder”? Do you suppose that he thought back to the murdered Egyptian he had buried in the sand?

Chapter 11: Questions

From Shepherd to King 

As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!


CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What can we learn about prayer from Hannah? 

2. How exactly did Samuel show his faith in God? 

3. Why was it so wrong for the Israelites to ask for a king? 

DIGGING DEEPER
1. How did Saul respond when confronted with his sin? How do YOU respond when confronted with your own sins and shortcomings? 

2. Where do you see God's grace at work in this chapter?


PERSONAL ACTION
Charles Caleb Colton coined the phrase, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery" in the early 1800s. In other words, "People tend to do what the people around them are doing ... for better or for worse!" 

So, who do YOU hang out with? 

Who are you imitating? 

Who has the most influence over you? 

What are the unhealthy and ungodly habits you have picked up from others? And what are you going to do about them??

This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words. 

Chapter 10: Reflection

Guest post by Dave Allen, a "The Story" reader!

It was a dark and troublesome time in Israel when Samuel was born.

The long period of the rule of the judges ends with his birth. He belongs in the Hall of Fame of great prophets, and as such, his appearance signified failure on the part of God’s chosen nation.

Fittingly, as his name implies, he would speak in the name of God (“Samuel,” quite literally, means “name of God” or perhaps “heard from God”). He appears on the scene at a time when the nation’s leadership has become wholly negligent and corrupt.

Eli, himself, had grown old and fat (directly linking his death to the judgment foretold earlier in 2:29) while his children led the people into transgression (1 Samuel 2:22-25). Through his prophet, God pronounced his promised judgment upon the entire House of Eli (3:11-14; 4:10-22) and establish Samuel as God’s chosen Prophet-Judge over all Israel (4:1).

Sadly, in his old age, Samuel too, failed to pronounce judgment and correction over his sons whom he had appointed as judges. And because they, as with Eli’s son’s, had become corrupted (8:1-3) their perverted judgment (among other misdeeds) compelled the elders to demand that Samuel appoint a king to rule over the nation – convinced that a king would provide better judgment (8:4-5).

The “people thought that having a king like everyone else would solve their leadership problems” (pg.135), and they would not heed Samuel’s warning.

We often see a similar pattern within our own national leadership.

With an increased consistency, the headlines announce discoveries of the latest examples of governmental negligence and corruption (it never matters which party happens to be in office).  Television networks air entire specials focusing upon whatever the newest scandal may be, and church goers all over the country sit around complaining about how the nation’s leaders have “taken prayer out of schools, God out of the justice system, and Jesus out of the center of our lives”, never fully recognizing that we, citizens of the United States of America, much like the people of Samuel’s day, have demanded to govern ourselves- we wanted a government of the people, and God granted us our desire. We got exactly what we asked for.

We have a worldly government, and a worldly government can be expected to do worldly things. Perhaps rather than looking to elect a new political leadership, the Church would do better to pray for God to send us another Samuel!

A CLOSING THOUGHT

Why is it that whenever God starts a move toward correcting his wayward people, the religious elite always assume that someone is drunk (1 Samuel 1:14; Acts 2:13)?

Chapter 10: Questions

Standing Tall, Falling Hard

Chapter 10--almost a third of the way through "The Story!" Are you starting to see the big picture yet? How every part of the Bible is part of God's amazing story of love for us? We hope so!


As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!

CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What do you learn about prayer from Hannah?

2. How did Samuel show his faith in God?

3. Why was it wrong for the Israelites to ask for a king?

4. What factors led to King Saul's demise?

5. How did Saul respond when confronted with his sin? How do you respond when confronted with your own shortcomings?

6. What instances of God's grace do you see in this chapter?

DIGGING DEEPER
What does Eli teach Samuel about listening to God (1 Samuel 3:1-10, "The Story" pp 131-132)? What can we learn about communicating with God as we see Samuel's story unfold?

God's "Upper Story" plan is for him alone to rule as King over his people. In the "Lower Story," the people insist on having an earthly king. God gives in to their request. Do you believe God still allows us to have our way (on occasion) even if it is not his perfect will for us? Can you give an example? What usually happens in this situation?

PERSONAL ACTION
It is characteristic of kids to imitate what they see. It is ALSO characteristic of grown-ups, whether in Samuel's time or in our own. This tends to lead to following bad examples. Take some time this week to think through your behaviors, practices, shopping patterns, clothing choices, language, hobbies ... anything you might do because someone else do it too. Who do you imitate? Whose example do you follow? If you find something unhealthy, ungodly, or offensive, get rid of it!! Now!

This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words. 

Chapter 9: Questions

The Faith of a Foreign Woman

As always, feel free to answer questions in the comments (especially the "Digging Deeper" ones) and share any thoughts you might have about the "Personal Action." Or, let us know if YOU have a question!


CHECKING YOUR COMPREHENSION
1. What does Ruth's story reveal about the love of God?

2. What does Ruth's story reveal about how God views all people groups? What does that mean for you?

3. Both Ruth and Naomi suffered tremendous loss. Why does a good and gracious God allow tragedy to come upon those who love him?

4. When difficult times come, what causes you to continue to hope in God?

5. Ruth left her home to follow Naomi and to follow God. How is God asking you to follow him?

6. In what ways do Ruth's actions and responses challenge you? Encourage you?

7. What steps can you take to become a more selfless, loving person?


DIGGING DEEPER
Naomi was a woman of faith BUT she also questioned God and was deeply honest about her struggles (Ruth 1:19-21; "The Story" p 122). In what was did Naomi's losses impact how she viewed God and his work in her life? When was the last time you were honest with God about your pain and hurt? What happened? As you look back on it now, have you learned anything about God's presence and faithfulness?

Boaz was a man of amazing character and wisdom (Ruth 2-3, "The Story" p 123-126). What can we learn from Boaz's interactions with his workers? with Ruth?

PERSONAL ACTION
When you think of how Naomi's life went from Mara (bitter) to Naomi (beautiful), what were the ways God extended grace to this faithful woman? Who needs YOU to come alongside of them to remind them that they are loved (or beautiful) and what is one action you can take this week to extend God's grace to this person?

AND/OR

Be a Boaz! He showed compassion to a person in need. Think through this coming week and identify one or two acts of compassion and generosity you can extend to a person who is hurting, marginalized, and in need.

This is a safe place to be able to share questions and fears and doubts. You can post using your name or not, whichever you prefer. And if you choose to respond to someone's comment, please be gentle with your words.