1 & 2 Samuel – Be Still…

2 Samuel 7:1-17 – God’s Covenant

Our Advent journey begins in the Old Testament. Meet Nathan, a prophet and trusted advisor of King David. Nathan received quite a message to give to King David. It was more than a message; it was a covenant from God. This promise points to Jesus, our coming King. During Advent, we prepare not only for Christ’s first entry into our world at Christmas but his return. God’s promise speaks to every moment we wait, as well as for eternity. Jesus’ reign is forever.

When God makes a covenant with us, it can be trusted. God loves to bless his people with promises and provision. The Bible tells of several covenants God has made over the years. With Noah, God promised never to flood the whole earth again. To Moses, God gave the law that serves as a covenant between God and his people. Finally, Jesus ushers in the “New Covenant” that promises forgiveness and redemption from sin. God’s covenants give, and we receive, showing God our obedience. Continue reading “2 Samuel 7:1-17 – God’s Covenant”

1 Samuel 3:9-18 – Is That You, God?

Read 1 Samuel 3:9-18

In this Bible passage, we encounter Samuel and Eli with the memorable story of God reaching out audibly with His message. It’s helpful to know that Samuel was a young boy being mentored by Eli, the priest. Samuel would grow up to be a faithful prophet used by God for some important tasks, like anointing King David. God wanted to make sure Samuel recognized his voice early in life. Samuel also has two books named after him in the Old Testament!

For us, this passage reminds us of the importance of listening for God. We’re starting a new theme in our Discovering the Bible Challenge called “Listening to God’s Word.” We’ll walk through some great Bible texts giving us insights into the importance of listening to God rather than the mumblings of the world. Isn’t it great that God still speaks to us, too! Continue reading “1 Samuel 3:9-18 – Is That You, God?”

1 Chronicles 15:1-29 – Celebrate God!

Read 1 Chronicles 15:1-29

David made sure he handled the movement of the Ark differently this time. He had learned from his mistakes and was sure to receive God’s counsel about the proper way to move the Ark the second time.

It was quite the event. I recently had this story come up for my orphanage Sunday School class, but we read the account in 2 Samuel 6. While similar, the differences are striking. There are three that stood out to me: (1) both accounts of moving the Ark are recorded together by Samuel; (2) the Chronicles account focuses much more on the worship and celebration; and (3) the Samuel text goes into more detail about Michal’s contempt and consequence.

1 Samuel 3:9-18 ? Open My Ears

Read 1 Samuel 3:9-18

Girl standing on a beach at sunset, holding the sun in her hands with caption "Are you listening to God?"

We’re starting a new theme in our Discovering the Bible Challenge called “Listening to God’s Word.” You are precisely in the right place as we’ll walk through some great Bible texts giving us insights to the importance of listening to God rather than the mumblings of the world.

I especially like this first passage as it tells the story of Samuel hearing God’s voice. We have the Bible as God’s word to us, but Samuel heard God’s message first-hand. Whether you’ve audibly heard God’s voice or not doesn’t matter. It’s important that we be listening!

December 1 ? The Lord Is With You (2 Samuel 7:1-16)

Read 2 Samuel 7:1-16

statue of small person huddled in and surrounded by larger hands cupped around it

The promise to David is so much bigger than David could have ever imagined, isn’t it? David would have success in life and as king because of God’s hand on his life. David’s devotion to the LORD would be so fervent that no king after him could emulate such loyalty.

God said about David, “Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth!” Until Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate king of this dynasty that God promised David. “Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.”