Thursday, May 26, 2011

1 & 2 Samuel - The Rise of the Kings


This Sunday we will be opening up a new study at Calvary Chapel of Wilmington:  1 & 2 Samuel.  These two books (which were originally one work) chronicle the transition of the nation of Israel from a theocracy, or a nation led by God, to a monarchy, being led by a king. You see, after Israel had taken possession of the Promised Land, the nation went through a period of approximately two hundred years where they were led by “judges.” Israel would do well for a while, serving and worshipping the true God.  But then they would start falling away, or as the bible says, “…did evil in the sight of the Lord.” The Lord would discipline them by causing the pagan nations that surrounded them to rise up and oppress them. Then Israel would call out to God for help, God would raise up a judge to deliver them, and the cycle would repeat itself all over again.

By about 1100 B.C., the people came to the conclusion that they wanted to be like the nations around them, and have a king of their own. I’m sure it seemed like a good idea at the time.  The nation was at a low point spiritually, and even the priesthood was corrupt. With a king they could have a strong leader to look up to, and to lead them into battle. They could have the glory of royalty, and they would have someone to blame if things went wrong. So the people came to the prophet Samuel to demand a king. God answered their request, and gave them Israel’s first king; Saul.

And so 1 & 2 Samuel gives us the account of the ministry of the prophet Samuel, the rise and fall of Israel’s first King, Saul, and the account of Saul’s successor, King David.

Of the many things we will learn from this study, one thing that will stand out is that the people of ancient Israel were just like we are today.  They had their strengths, their weaknesses, and sometimes they completely blew it! We will learn about leadership. We will learn about trusting God.  We will learn about the importance of obedience. We will see the consequences of compromise played out in the lives of men and women.

But through it all we will see that God remains sovereign, and His plan for Israel and for mankind will be accomplished, even if through imperfect men and women.

Join us Sunday, for the introduction to 1 Samuel.
... till the whole world hears, 

Pastor Clay

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