Published: 06 Feb 2012
On February 5th, we had a lesson Lost and Found (Luke 15). We ask you to read through the material and comment in the box. You can answer the big question to get the discussion started.
Parables of Lost and Found
Bible Text:
Lesson Focus:
God always makes the extra effort to find the lost and welcome them home.
Big Question:
Does God really look for everyone who is lost?
Key Words:
LOST, FOUND, GRACE, FORGIVENESS, CELEBRATE
Definition Of Key Words
LOST: the result of having gone astray. We may be lost in the sense of being missed by those from whom we have departed and in the sense of not being able to return to the proper place or path.
FOUND: the result of searching to locate, attain, or obtain that which was lost.
GRACE: the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God; "God's Riches At Christ's Expense."
FORGIVENESS: the pardoning of an offense or an offender; the act of holding a person blameless, as God freely does for us.
CELEBRATE: to make known publicly or to proclaim or praise widely when something special has happened, such as the lost being found and forgiven.
Message Overview
The "lost and found" parables of Luke 15 have a common theme—joy in finding the lost. They also have a common effect on careful hearers and readers who don't think of themselves as being "lost"—in short, they offend. When we read these parables, we usually think their primary message is that God loves to find the lost. So true, but the context in which these stories are told is important. It demands that we look at the hard question the parables pose for the (supposedly) "non-lost." These "non-lost" individuals just might be the real intended recipients of the message in these stories. Your students may not even have the concept of being lost in their experience. Thus, teaching the parables is a vital opportunity to proclaim this beginning point of our doctrine.
In Luke 14 Jesus is invited to eat with a leader of the Pharisees. He accepts, and on his way there he delivers a number of sometimes cryptic teachings leading up to the lost and found parables. Jesus continues teaching in Luke 15, bemused or angry at the muttering of the Pharisees and scribes over his welcoming and eating with sinners, and in that context the parables are given. Jesus begins with the story of the lost sheep, starting with "Which one of you . . ." (Luke 15:4). He continues with the story of the lost coin, leading with "What woman . . ." (Luke 15:8). The implication is clear: who wouldn't go search for the lost sheep or the lost coin? Well, a shepherd or a woman who didn't think the lost sheep or lost coin was worth much, the muttering Pharisees and scribes might have been thinking.
Not so with God, Jesus tells them. God loves the lost and sinful! This is good news! God is like the shepherd who leaves the 99 sheep who aren't lost to get the one that is lost. God is like the woman who has a party when she finds her lost coin. At least one of the meanings of these two seemingly simple parables is that God prizes what is lost even if it would seem to be of lesser value than what is still possessed (the 99 sheep or the nine coins).
The ante is upped in the parable of the prodigal son. This parable's message of grace is beautiful—the father running out to meet the son and putting his arms around him and kissing him before the lost son even has the chance to ask for forgiveness. That's grace in a nutshell. We don't often enough put ourselves in the place of the elder son. He is our prideful self, the side of us that not only thinks we can make it into the "father's arms" on our own but also privately thinks we have. We've done the right things, albeit grudgingly in some instances. We've stayed home and worked hard. We've sat in the pews and confirmation class, even when we would have rather squandered that time doing something else. We're the righteous ones. We're the elder son in this story.
The point of these parables is to call the elder sons into the party. We fully experience God's grace when we can celebrate it with others and not keep insisting we've earned it and others have not. Those who insist on living by merit can't ever know the true joy of grace. These parables expose our rather grudging spirits. We often think God is too good to everyone else and not good enough to us. We want mercy for ourselves but justice for others. These stories are a call to celebrate God's radical grace. God loves everyone, not because of what they have or haven't done, or who they are or aren't. God loves each of us because that's who God is.
The question posed to the non-lost and the righteous, all of us, in these parables is simply this: Will you join the party and thereby share in God's mercy, or will you clutch your self-bestowed merit badges and stay outside the party grumbling? At the end of the parable of the prodigal son, the question remains as to whether the older son goes into the party or not. That is the question directed at us, the reader and hearer of the parable.
Published: 06 Feb 2012
On January 29th, we had a lesson on the Beatitudes. For the online version, we are just going to have the Scripture, lesson focus, big questions, key words and message overview here. We ask you to read the material and comment in the comment section so that we know that you read through the material. In the comment section, you may answer the big question.
The Beatitudes
Bible Text:
Lesson Focus:
In God's kingdom, the things that rule our earthly life no longer apply.
Big Question:
What blessings are there for me in God's kingdom?
Key Words:
BEATITUDE, PEACE, JUSTICE
Definition of Key Words
BEATITUDE: the term assigned to the sayings of Jesus found in Matthew 5:3–12. It is also a word that means "perfect happiness" in the literary world.
PEACE: the absence of violence, conflict, or oppression.
JUSTICE: To treat all people fairly in the correct or impartial way.
Message Overview
Early in Jesus' public ministry, according to the Gospel of Matthew, crowds begin to follow him, amazed at his teaching and healing. While in their midst, Jesus climbs to a high place, and on this natural stage, he addresses the crowds. This Sermon on the Mount is full of radical new ways of looking at the world: Preferential treatment is given to the poor, standards of success are turned upside down, and values shift dramatically. Christ asks his followers to live a life in stark contrast to the world around them. This distinct community will bear witness to the power of God's love.
The Beatitudes have been interpreted in many ways since Jesus first spoke the words. Martin Luther, in keeping with his personal experience, believed the words of the Beatitudes were meant to show us our sinfulness and therefore drive us to the righteousness of Jesus. On the opposite end of the spectrum, popular belief in modern years has often defined the Beatitudes as a prescription for individual happiness, a guide for life's journey, or just another self-help book. TV evangelists have used Christ's teachings in the Beatitudes as the basis for books, including The Be-Happy Attitudes (Robert Schuller) and The Secret of Happiness (Billy Graham).
The context and content of the Sermon on the Mount suggests that the teachings of Christ, including the Beatitudes, are less about an individual's personal happiness and more about his or her role as a follower in a newly ordered world. Jesus' words make clear that the path will not be easy. If the followers of Christ are not living their faith, how will the world know its mission and vision? Only God's love can create and sustain such a community—one that sets the followers apart from the rest of the world, and one that rewards those things that honor God. The followers of God are called to live the reality that Christ teaches in the Beatitudes and, in so doing, to be God's tools for reordering the world.
Throughout history, the church and its members have had opportunities to live out the idea of being a contrast community to give honor to what God honors, to stand out, and to speak up. Sometimes individuals have called the community of faith to task. Lutheran pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer serves as an example. During World War II, as the German churches let their fears override the mounting evidence of what Adolf Hitler was doing, Bonhoeffer's voice was a powerful contrast. In more recent history, the church has been active to help end the tyranny and oppression of people in many nations of the world. As acts of terrorism have been on the rise, it has been the church that has called us to examine our own actions and reactions in light of the Beatitudes.
As Christ's followers we are called to be a contrast community to the culture that surrounds us. Instead of pursing wealth and material possessions, we are called to see that the physical, daily needs of all people are met. Rather than seeking power and fame, we are asked to be meek, to act with mercy, to make peace among all God's people.
Because sin is alive and well in our world and even in our church communities, we don't always live up to the ideal that Christ has given us; nonetheless, our hope remains that our faith communities will stand out as a contrast to the rest of society. Church is a place where all people should be welcome and know God's love—not just the popular, the beautiful, or the wealthy. It is up to us as the body of Christ alive in the world to reflect that value to others. As believers, how we treat people matters—both inside and outside the church. In school and social groups, as well as in the world, opportunities will abound for young believers to make a difference—to show that they are part of this contrast community that lifts up different values. The church is the community in which God will be made visible to the end of the age, but only if we do not fade into the rest of the world.
Published: 06 Feb 2012
On January 22nd, we had a lesson title: "Jesus Calls the First Disciples". Below, you will see a brief highlight of the lesson with scripture and key words. We ask you to read the bible text, the key words and the quick recap. Then, in the comment section, respond by stating what the lesson meant to you and answering the big question.
Jesus Calls the First Disciples
Bible Text:
Lesson Focus:
With the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus called ordinary people, just like us, to be disciples.
Big Question:
I'm just a kid—what can I do that's important enough to be a disciple?
Key Words:
MIRACLE, DISCIPLE, ORDINARY, FAITH
Definitions of Key Words
MIRACLE: an extraordinary occurrence ascribed to God that surpasses all known human powers or natural forces.
DISCIPLE: a professed follower of Jesus Christ.
ORDINARY: something of no special quality or interest; a commonplace, unexceptional event.
FAITH: the act of placing one's total confidence or trust in God. Faith means believing in God and God's teachings.
5 Quick Point Summary
Shortly after beginning his public ministry of teaching and healing, Jesus called his first disciples, the fishermen Simon, James, and John.
From the start, Jesus called ordinary people to follow him. It is a clear sign that Jesus will use people from many folds for the good of his kingdom.
The miracles of Jesus were signs that God is powerful and loving. They got people's attention and opened their hearts to receive the good news of God's kingdom.
The call of Jesus is absolute, disrupting the lives of potential recruits. It is a call to make changes in our lives, to think differently, and, most of all, to live differently.
Jesus calls us out of our old lives and into the new.
Published: 18 Jan 2012
The Wilderness Temptations
On January 15th, we studied the wilderness temptations. We ask you to take a look at the lesson, read the scriptures and watch the video clip and then comment. You may comment as anonymous and then just put your first name or initials in the box. In the comment section, give a few sentences on the lesson.
Bible Text:
Luke 4:1–15; Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 1:12–13
Lesson Focus:
Jesus used scripture to resist the devil's temptations.
Big Question:
How can I resist temptations if I can't quote scripture?
Key Words:
TEMPTATION, SCRIPTURE, HOLY SPIRIT, SATAN
Definition of Key Words
TEMPTATION: anything that controls us and leads us away from God or threatens our relationship with God.
SCRIPTURE: God's word in the Bible and the words that Jesus used against Satan.
The HOLY SPIRIT: the third person of the Trinity (with God and Jesus) and the one who guides us in our decision-making.
SATAN: the one who tempts us in order to draw us away from God. Satan is also known as the "accuser."
Quick Overview
Jesus was tempted—really tempted—but did not succumb to using his God-given powers for any cheap thrills, fantastic duels with Satan, or evil misuse.
In all three gospels, the temptation scene comes toward the beginning of Jesus' story and—in some fashion—inaugurates his ministry.
Some have suggested that the point of the mysterious temptation scene is that Jesus was fully human and was fully tempted. Others say that we are to glean, as any first century Jew would, that Jesus was a model Jew. Still others maintain that this scene shows up-front the conflict between God's reign and the reign of Satan, setting up the thematic undercurrent that all of Jesus' ministry is an attack on Satan's work.
Jesus stymies the devil finally because he knows whose he is—He is God's Son.
Movie Connection: 3:10 to Yuma
Main Idea: A Person Of Integrity Does The Right Thing Even When No One Is Watching
Scene Set Up: Dan Evans has made it all the way to the small town of Contention where he is being paid $200 to deliver outlaw Ben Wade to the 3:10 train. Wade’s outlaw gang has been trailing them and Dan’s son William has snuck along and is now caught up in the deadly adventure. Dan desperately needs the $200 to save his ranch, and he wants the respect of his son who thinks he is a weak, boring, religious nobody. As they wait for the local sheriff and his deputies to show up Ben takes another opportunity to try to tempt Dan into letting him go.
Application:
Your character reveals itself when you face a moral issue and nobody is around to catch you. Daniel is facing an integrity issue. Ben Wade knows Dan is a strong Christian, but his experience is that everybody has a price, and most people of faith live differently from the foundational teachings of the bible in their private lives. So Ben expects Dan to be like the other Christians he has met…saying one thing and doing whatever it takes to get ahead.
Dan has become a man of integrity. A man of integrity is a man who keeps his word. A person of integrity is a person who does what he says even when temptation hits. A person of integrity is the same person in every part of his life. When the chips are down you can count on a person of integrity to be sturdy and solid, like an oak of righteousness.
We begin the journey of integrity when we live in the presence of one who truly sees us as we are, and longs for us not to be impressive, not to be inconsistent, but to be people who live whole and complete lives. We live as people of integrity when we have a solid center. This center comes from knowing we were bought with a price and are now the ones who represent Jesus. It is Him who lives at our core, and that center will ground you to make choices that line up with the Word which will set you free. When you are the same in private as you are in public that is a good start. When you are pursuing righteousness regardless of who is watching that is an even better measure of your integrity
Published: 18 Jan 2012
The Magi
For your make up, we simply ask you to read through the lesson out line and then in the comment section (choose anonymous), write a sentence or two regarding the lesson or scripture and answer the big question.
Bible Text:
Lesson Focus:
Jesus is revealed as king of all—whether the people recognize him or not.
Big Question:
Jesus was a poor baby. Why am I supposed to worship him like a king?
Key Words:
EPIPHANY, GENTILES, HEROD THE GREAT, MAGI, HOMAGE
Definition of Key Words
EPIPHANY: the church's celebration on January 6 of the visit of the magi to the infant Jesus. Epiphany means "revelation" and recognizes that Jesus is "revealed" as king for all people by this visit of the magi.
GENTILES: people who weren't Jewish.
HEROD THE GREAT: a corrupt Jewish king who served as governor of Galilee and was backed by Roman power. Threatened by the birth of Jesus, the true king, he sent the magi to Bethlehem to find Jesus so that he could have the child killed.
MAGI: stargazers or astrologers from Persia. They recognized Jesus as a great king, chosen by God, even though they were Gentiles.
HOMAGE: a ceremony by which people acknowledge themselves as servants of a master or lord
Quick Overview
The Christmas story in Matthew bears no resemblance to the one in Luke.
Matthew 1 shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of promises made to Israel. Matthew 2 introduces the idea that Jesus fulfills Gentile hopes for salvation as well.
The primary message of Matthew's Christmas story is that Jesus is revealed by God as Lord and king for the entire world.
The magi were probably astrologers or magicians of a priestly clan of Persians. They were exotic pagans—Gentiles in the extreme.
It was a widely held belief that a new star rose in the sky at the birth of a great leader.
The story of the magi shows us that Jesus is God's gift to the entire world.
Baptismal Connection
In the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism, a five-part question addresses each confirmand's intent to continue in the covenant God made with them in Holy Baptism. Here We Stand resources help students—with support from parents, leaders, and the entire congregation—prepare to answer this question as they continue in their lifelong faith journey.
Today's lesson focused on the clause "to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed."
The visit of the magi revealed to all the world that Jesus is God's chosen king—the Messiah. The magi offered physical gifts and also offered themselves as they worshiped him. Likewise, our words and deeds reveal who Jesus is in our lives. The magi put forth a great deal of effort to pay homage to the new king. Do we show the same determination to honor Jesus as our king? Help the youth use this lesson to grow in their understanding of how their words and deeds reveal what they think and feel about Jesus. Herod was afraid that he would lose his position as king of the Jews. The magi were determined to honor Jesus, regardless of the cost to themselves. Do our words and deeds show that we want to preserve our own status in our community? Or do they show that Jesus is our king and that we are willing to pay homage to our king regardless of the cost?
Published: 20 Dec 2011
Published: 19 Dec 2011
On December 18th, our lesson was on the Birth Of Jesus. Below is the outline of what we did in Big Group. We ask you to read through the blog post and then you can answer the big question. All you have to do is click the comment, choose anonymous and after you give your answer, place your initials down so we can give you the credit for make-up.
The Outline of Big Group
Countdown
Welcome & Announcements
Opening Song: O Little Town Of Bethlehem
Opening Prayer
Drama Time
Affirmation of Baptism: What’s The Connection?
Key Words
Scripture Reading
Message
Depart For Small Groups
Bible TextLuke 2:1–20
Lesson FocusGod's son Jesus came to save all people, focusing on the outcasts first.
Big QuestionI've heard this story many times. What else can I learn from it?
Key WordsINCARNATION, BETHLEHEM, MESSIAH/CHRIST, OUTCAST
Definition of Key Words
INCARNATION: God taking on human life (flesh) in Jesus.
BETHLEHEM: the town where Jesus was born. Joseph was descended from King David, who was also born in Bethlehem.
MESSIAH/CHRIST: the one promised by God who would come to save God's people. Messiah is Hebrew, Christ is Greek, but both words translate into English as "the anointed one." Jesus, son of Mary, is the Messiah.
OUTCAST: a person or class of people who are disdained by others in society. They often are forced to live apart from others and are shunned by the community.
Lesson HighlightsThe writer of Luke sets the birth of the Messiah within world history.
Augustus was the honorary name for Gaius Octavius, Roman emperor from 31 B.C. to 14 A.D. He was known as the "bringer of peace," and biblical scholars speculate that the writer of Luke makes a connection between Jesus' birth and Augustus's reign to show that Jesus, not Augustus, is the true bringer of peace.
Palestine had been under Roman control for about a century and under foreign occupation for nearly 600 years when Jesus was born.
There were many hopes and expectations with regard to the leader whom God would send to bring justice and peace. Some were expecting a military hero—who would conquer the Romans, rally God's people, and usher in an era of peace and prosperity for the faithful who had been oppressed.
The idea that shepherds were the first to receive the news of the Messiah's birth would have been surprising and offensive to the original hearers and readers of this story.
Baptismal Connection
Today's lesson focuses on the clause "to strive for justice and peace in all the earth"
Published: 12 Dec 2011
On December 11th, we had a lesson on the wilderness to land (the wandering in the wilderness). Please take time to read the scripture, highlights and the video and in the comment section; answer the big question.
Wilderness to LandBible Text: Exodus 16:1–15Joshua 24:14–18Deuteronomy 6:4–9Lesson Focus:We should focus our lives on God.
Big Question:I have so many important things in my life; why should I focus on God?
Key Words: PROVIDE, OBEDIENCE, FAITHFULNESS, PROMISE
Definition of Key WordsPROVIDE: to supply or give what is needed to meet or sustain one's needs.
OBEDIENCE: complying with the guidelines that have been given to you.
FAITHFULNESS: allegiance and loyalty, especially to God, family, and friends.
PROMISE: a pledge or declaration that one will do what is declared.
HighlightOnce out of Egypt, the people begin to grumble; God provides food for them.
The people worship the golden calf and so must wander in the wilderness for 40 years. During that time the Lord provides for them.
Moses is not allowed to enter the promised land, and Joshua becomes the new leader of the people.
The faithfulness of God in spite of the erratic behavior of God's people is a prominent theme in these stories.
Moses' audience for many of his sermons is a new generation of Israelites. Moses is concerned that they know the history of their ancestors and the history of God's direct involvement in their lives.
Moses preaches with the backdrop of the Exodus and his sight set forward to the fulfillment of the promise of a marvelous land for God's chosen people.
Moses, and later Joshua, expands and clarifies the law throughout the people's journey, always emphasizing the grace of the law that leads to the fulfilled life that God intends for the chosen people.
Deuteronomy 6:4–9, especially verses 4–5 (called the Shema), is foundational for Jews in a very profound way to this day. All obedience, it claims, flows out of a sense of love toward God and dependence on God.
ConnectingThis week, we watched two videos. One was a music connection and one was a movie connection. Here is the music video and some background:
Home By Daughtry
In this lesson, we learn that the Israelites are on a long journey to the promised land. Through Moses's many speeches, the people learn that their special relationship with God is based on love. The Israelites feel that the promised land is to be their home. Chris Daughtry sings about a journey home: a place where love is. Even though he is not always the best man, the love that abides at home is always there.
Debrief the movie clip with these questions:
• How does it feel to go home after a long journey?
• What do you consider "home"?
Published: 12 Dec 2011
On December 4th, we had our lesson on Exhile and Return. We ask you to read the scriptures and take a look at the lesson focus, key words and the highlights. Then, click on the comment section and answer the big question. For comments, you can choose annonymous and oplace first or last name or initials and we will record it; thanks.
Exile and ReturnBible Text:Ezekiel 5:5–8;
36:22–32;
Zechariah 1:1–6Lesson Focus: Even when we feel separated, God always welcomes us back.
Big Question:How can I be sure that God is really with me?
Key Words: EXILE, BABYLON, JERUSALEM, FAITHFULNESS, PROPHET
Definitions of Key WordsEXILE: removal from one's homeland for an extended period of time. God's people were in exile for more than 50 years.
BABYLON: a city in the area now known as Iraq, between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. King Nebuchadnezzar exiled several thousand of God's people from their homes in Jerusalem to Babylon from 597 to 539 B.C.E.
JERUSALEM: the home of God's people and the city where they returned after the Exile.
FAITHFULNESS: the demonstration of loyalty or allegiance. God remained faithful to God's people, even while they were exiled in Babylon. God's people also demonstrated their faithfulness to God during this time.
PROPHET: a person who is called by God to preach and speak fearlessly for God.
Quick OverviewThe Babylonian exile of the Jews from their homeland was a turning point in the life of God's people, reshaping them for new life with God. This forced exile happened over several years and lasted for about 60 years.
The prophets who served during the exile and the return emphasized God's presence and purpose among the people and in all events—even painful and tragic ones. Ezekiel recalled the people to a life dedicated to Yahweh.
The release from exile came in stages, beginning with the edict of Persian King Cyrus in 538 B.C.E. that allowed exiles to return and reestablish their worship of God.
Ezra and Nehemiah were concerned with religious reform, organizing the returning community around Torah, and rebuilding the temple. Both Ezra (a priest) and Nehemiah (a political leader) had a strong sense of God's working in history and God's ability to use whomever God wills.
The prophets of the post-exilic period (including Ezekiel and Zechariah) laid the basis in language and imagery for the development of biblical apocalyptic writing. Unlike much popular apocalyptic literature today, biblical apocalyptic literature was written to reassure oppressed people of God's power and abiding presence and mercy.
Published: 22 Nov 2011
On Sunday, November 20th, our small group lesson was King David. Here is the lesson highlights below. We ask you to take a look at the scriptures, read the material and comment below on what it means to you. Thanks.
King David
Bible Text:
1 Samuel 16–17; 18:10–16; 2 Samuel 2:1–7; 5:1–10; 7:1–17; Isaiah 9:6–7
Lesson Focus:
God uses imperfect people to do amazing things.
Big Question:
Do we have to have David-like courage and trust to be useful to God?
Key Words:
CHOSEN, HUMBLE, TRUST
Definition of Key Words
CHOSEN: a person or group of people selected for a special purpose. David was chosen by God to be a leader and to be the ancestor of Jesus.
HUMBLE: not arrogant, haughty, or overly assertive. A low, unpretentious ranking. David was a humble shepherd when God called him to do great things.
TRUST: to rely on someone or something; to place confidence and dependence in someone. Because David trusted in God's word, guidance, and strength, he was blessed with the ability to lead the nation of Israel.
Quick Bullet Highlights
The Bible has two versions of King David's life, one in 1 Samuel 16–31; 2 Samuel; and 1 Kings 1–2; and one in 1 Chronicles.
Even after being chosen by God to be king, David had to overcome several obstacles before being recognized as king of Israel.
A brilliant strategist and mediator, King David united the nation, centralized power, and established a national capital at Jerusalem.
In David and his descendants we see that God chooses and uses whom God will—raising up a lowly shepherd to be king and using a deeply flawed human being for God's purposes.
David reigned as king approximately from 1000 to 961 B.C.
Jesus is descended from David.
Our leaders are flawed human beings just like us. It's important not to idealize leaders. It's also important to consider what attributes are truly important in leaders.
Going Deep
The Bible portrays David as a brilliant strategist and mediator. We have two versions of King David's life. One (1 Chronicles), likely composed in the fifth century B.C., celebrates David's leadership in uniting north and south, establishing the national capital and spiritual center at Jerusalem, centralizing power, and focusing the people on praising God. An earlier version (1 Samuel 16–31; 2 Samuel; 1 Kings 1–2), likely composed during the exile in the sixth century B.C., is a more complex story of personal and political intrigue. David's association with many of the psalms reflects his concern for worship of Yahweh (2 Samuel 23:1).
The New Testament attests that Jesus is descended from David. Almost invariably those who cry to Jesus for mercy do so calling him "Son of David" (see Matthew 9:27; 15:22; 17:15; 20:30–21; Mark 10:47–48; Luke 17:13; 18:38–39). Old Testament prophecies reiterate the promise of Christ coming from the family of David (Isaiah 9:6–7).
Like many important biblical figures, David was of humble origins, the youngest son of "a Bethlehem farmer" (1 Samuel 16). With God's help and David's trust in God, David became Israel's most powerful king and accomplished great things while yet a human being who made some terrible mistakes. David, through sin, crime, and repentance, still trusted and believed in God, and God repeatedly forgave him and remained with him.
In David and his descendants we see that God chooses and uses whom God will. David, like other important biblical figures, such as Mary and Joseph, was a lowly person raised up by God to become a person of great importance. God made a shepherd the patriarch of a dynasty.
David was the preeminent king among all ancient Israel's kings and was chosen by God (1 Samuel 16:1–13), but he was nonetheless a deeply flawed human being. Having won King Saul's affection, David subsequently became Saul's rival, married Saul's daughter, and established a separate power base from which David rose to become king following Saul's death. David was a brilliant and trusted leader, for example, gathering to himself "everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented" and becoming "captain over them" (1 Samuel 22:2). But David was also abusive (2 Samuel 11–12), and his legacy of abuse was the terrible inheritance of his children (2 Samuel 13).
David's reign is estimated to have been approximately from 1000 to 961 B.C. David's kingship contrasts with that of Saul, who was the first king of ancient Israel, beginning a generation earlier. David's reign transformed the feuding tribal confederacy under Saul into a more coherent—though not completely united—nation. Elapsed time and the change in political environment, notably the Philistine threat, helped make possible David's consolidation and centralization of power (2 Samuel 21:15–22; 23:8–39). David was anointed twice, first as king of Judah (2 Samuel 2:4) in the south and then as king of Israel (2 Samuel 5:3) in the north. As a sign to unite the nation, David brought the Ark of the Covenant to the newly established capital of Jerusalem, located between north and south. David used the Ark—a sign of God's sole sovereignty—to consolidate his own power as king over the nation.
What do we expect of our leaders? We fall into a trap when we think our leaders are not flawed human beings just like ourselves. Setting leaders on a pedestal can dangerously lead to unquestioning loyalty. At the same time, a leader must be a model to others. What is reasonable to expect of leaders? They must possess attributes that enable them to lead effectively. They must have the ability to listen, a character and personality that can hold people's trust and respect, vision, the ability to see the big picture, organizational skills, and integrity. Is it important that a leader have a sense of humor about herself or himself? Is compassion important? Is physical health important? Or the ability to say no? What is the relationship between a leader's public life and personal life? In what ways is a person's personal life relevant or irrelevant to the person's capacity to lead in society or in the church?
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