1^st Sunday in July (Week 27) Israel’s Covenant (Joshua 24:1-32; Luke 6:27-49; Joshua 1, 5-8, 14-16, and 20, 23, 24)

This is the last day in the story-line of “Israel’s Covenant”. We began with the creation of the universe as the great, perfectly good, act of God. Then the struggles of real life take over:

• Adam and Eve seek to become like God and the original sin of their pride arouses God’s anger;
• God establishes the first covenant with Abraham and Sarah;
• The covenant is forgotten and renewed with Isaac and Jacob … and Jacob’s name becomes “Israel”;
• The 12 children of Jacob (Israel) become the 12 tribes of the future nation, but jealousies among them eventually take them to Egypt where they at first welcomed and then enslaved;
• The covenant is renewed as God hears the cries of the chosen people and chooses Moses to lead them to the Promised Land;
• The journey is made difficult by repeated grumbling, disobedience, and lack of faith. God gives the people rules for living (like the “Ten Commandments”) and rituals of remembrance like the “Passover”) to help them keep the covenant.

Finally they arrive at the Jordan River and the city of Jericho … gateway into Canaan (the “Promised Land”). But the Israelites are frightened and do not trust the power of God. When Moses dies, Joshua is appointed to lead them in conquest of the land. Before they embark across the river, the covenant is renewed a final time.

It’s doubtful that Abraham and Sarah really knew what they were doing when they agree to that covenant. They were short sighted. They saw only an opportunity to have a son, and through the son to establish a heritage. If they knew what the next millennia would hold for their descendants, would they have done it? Bible writers do not want the reader to be uncertain. Yes, of course, Abraham and Sarah would have done it. That is the point of the Genesis story about God’s test of Abraham to slay his son Isaac. He would have done it for the sake of God’s command. But the question now is: Do Abraham’s descendants have the same quality of faith? Will they be willing to surrender everything for the sake of the Lord?

Team Meditation (Luke 6:27-49)

This is Luke’s version of the famous “Sermon on the Mount”. It is deliberately reminiscent of Moses delivering the Law to the Israelites from another mountaintop long ago. Jesus’ version of the Law is both more rigorous and more forgiving than the Law of Moses. It is more rigorous because Jesus make the law binding, not only on our behavior, but on our thinking. It is binding not only on our actions, but our intentions. And Jesus extends this moral commitment not only toward brothers and sisters of Israel (or the church), but also toward complete strangers and even enemies.

But the ancient refrain of covenant, broken promises, forgiveness, and re-covenant is a key element in Jesus’ teaching. Wise people put all their trust in the Lord, inscribe the law on their hearts, and stand strong against all the storms and temptations and difficulties of life. Unwise people put their trust in themselves, in wealth, or in other authorities, which in the end cannot protect them against the real challenges of life. The former found their house on rock; the latter found their house on sand.

It is easy enough for worship leaders, preachers, choir members, and others to believe that the people “out there” in worship are grounded more on sand than rock. The deeper question is whether you are grounded more on rock than sand. You cannot preach from the sand. You have to stand on the rock.

Worship Theme (Joshua 24:1-32)

Joshua 24:14-15  ¹⁴ "Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.  ¹⁵ And if you be unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

These famous words mark the end of the story-line of “Israel’s Covenant”. It is not the end of the covenant! In fact, this fundamental commitment between God and God’s people will be the foundation for God’s saving act in Jesus Christ. But the final conquest of Canaan (“the Promised Land”) is a benchmark in Biblical history.

Many nations have some kind of story about radical commitment and risk. Americans, for example, talk about legendary Alamo and the “line in the sand”. Either cross the line and fight, or leave now and retreat. Decide now. Are you “in” or are you “out”? Almost every nation has such a story, because that is what it means to be a nation. Something similar, but far more significant, happens here.

Joshua draws a line in the sand. For over 50 years now, the Israelites have struggled from Egypt to this final destination, and there have been many doubts and reassurances. Now the time has come to really commit. Many people followed God (and Moses) for the dream of land, security, and prosperity. Now they have it. But will they still follow God? Will land, security, and prosperity become their new gods? Do they love God more than the land, more than the security, and more than the prosperity? If these things were ever lost or taken away, would they still love and obey God? Nothing ruins a relationship like property ownership!

Worship Design (Joshua 24:1-32)

"And they lived happily ever after."  That's the fairy tale ending to those tales like Snow White and Cinderella.  The Israelites have been marching forward with dogged determination to inhabit and conquer the Promised Land.  Through many dangers, toils and snares they had already come and now, in what would be the final scene in nearly every fairy tale, Israel is ready to take the "wedding vows" with their beloved Prince in Shining Armor.  On the morrow they will inhabit the new kingdom, palaces and all, and we expect that they will indeed live happily ever after.  And with that, the story would come to an end.

If that was the case, however, we'd have a very short Bible.  The fact is, the story doesn't end.  Not in the fairy tales and not in the Bible.  Life goes on and, to borrow a line from Paul Harvey, what follows is the rest of the story. 

But what is next?  What comes after "ever after"? 

Will the Israelites remain faithful?  Is there any reason for them to remain faithful?  What will God deliver next?  They've got the ring, the vows, and the castle, what else is there?

As disciples of Jesus in North America, we face this dilemma daily.  We've received the grace of God, we've inhabited what could only be described as a Promised Land, and for the church, we've settled in for "happy ever after" thus leaving us with, "What's next?" 

Being faithful can be as much an adventure as the conquest was.  Just because we have arrived doesn't mean the story ends, but we're faced with a choice.  Will we continue the adventure of faith, or will we be content to sit back and dwell in "ever after"?

To design worship around the theme, use the movie National Treasure.  There are two clips you will want to use during the service - and you will need to use the DVD version to access the second clip.  The first clip to use is the last scene of the movie when Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage), Abigail (Diane Kruger) and Riley (Justin Bartha) are "basking" in their great reward after discovering the national treasure trove.  The end of the movie leaves the viewer with the typical "happily ever after" conclusion.  Use this clip to introduce the challenge Joshua made to the Israelites: Maintain the faithful walk or fall into the happy ever after syndrome.  This is where we often find ourselves in the church.  Complacently waiting for God to do something and being awfully comfortable with where we are rather than striding along with Jesus in mission is the temptation we find ourselves in.

The second clip comes from the Special Features of the DVD.  Use the "Alternative Ending."  In this ending, the protagonists find themselves back in the National Archives where Cage, not willing to settle for "ever after," sets his eyes on the next adventure (this ending would have left the producers a wide-open door for a sequel).  Use this clip as an introduction to the vaccine against "ever after-ness," which is joining Jesus on mission - a mission that, for us, won't end until the Day of the Lord is upon us.

 Bill T-B

Small Group Discussion (Joshua 1, 5-8, 14-16, and 20, 23, 24)

Before the small group meets, each participant should have read and studied this week's Scripture passages.

These passages cover the whole of the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land from the crossing of the Jordan to the settling of the tribal nation.  But it all begins with a renewal of the covenant: God will deliver the Promised Land if Israel will be faithful to the God who has led them from Egypt to the Jordan River.  In the following chapters Israel struggles, fails, repents, and experiences God's redemption again and again.  Throughout the book God faithfully honors the covenants, even when Israel is faithless.  But the time finally comes when they have to make a choice - will they honor their commitment to the God who has brought them to the land flowing with milk and honey, or will they grow complacent and turn from their promises?  Good intentions win out on that fateful day…but are good intentions enough?  Stay tuned.

Discuss the following in your small group time.

1. There are two sides to the covenant God offers to Joshua (ch. 1).  Make a list of the promises God makes and the corresponding commitments Israel must keep.
2. Using the above list, review some of the key accounts in the readings.  For each account discuss how Israel was faithful; whether or not they strayed from the covenant and if they did, how; and how God demonstrated ongoing faithfulness.
3. Nowhere in the covenants does God tell the Israelites that faithfulness in going to be easy.  One of the most commonly cited difficulties with the "God of the Old Testament" is the apparent ruthlessness of accounts such as the complete destruction of Jericho.  And yet paradoxically God decrees the creation of the cities of refuge to protect those accused of murder.  Take some time in the group to wrestle with the difficulties of remaining faithful even when faced with paradox (for New Testament examples of the difficulty of faithfulness see Luke 6:30, 34-35).
4. Joshua warned the Israelites just how difficult it would be to remain faithful to the God who brought them into the Promised Land - and what the consequences would be for being unfaithful.  Nonetheless, the nation as one agreed to the covenants.  By today's North American church behavioral standards, it appears that a commitment to Jesus Christ is a pretty easy covenant to enter into.  And yet Jesus repeatedly warned his followers to "count the cost" (Luke 14:28-33).  What made it difficult for Israel to remain true to the covenants?  What makes it difficult for you to be a faithful disciple of Jesus?  What can you do about that?

Bill T-B

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2^nd Sunday in July (Week 28) David’s Heritage (Ruth 1:1-17 and 4:13-17; John 13:1-20, 31-35; The Book of Ruth)

What is the point of the Book of Ruth? Why is it included in the most ancient Jewish and Christian collections of holy writings? In modern times, we are apt to value it solely as a glimpse into ancient lifestyles or occasionally as a love story supporting a particular view of marriage. Yet the book had greater significance for both Jews and Christians.

This book begins the story-line of David. It reveals who he is … his roots and his destiny. First, this book reveals David’s true lineage through Ruth and Boaz to the ancient ancestors of Judah, Jacob, and Abraham. Ancestry is very important to people both yesterday and today. Second, this book reveals David’s humble origins. It establishes him as a man of the people, one who identifies with the poor and the persecuted, and therefore a champion of the commoner. How different David is from Moses! Moses’ origins were affluent, and he came from the family of Pharaoh himself. His ancestry to Israel was real, but unimportant compared to how he was chosen in the desert to rescue the people. Moses had no descendants; David had many descendants, and the most significant would be Jesus.

It is said that if you want to know what a man or woman will grow up to be like, just look at their parents and grandparents. If you want to know David, just look at his ancestor Ruth. David had many struggles and temptations, but his real nature was always that of Ruth. We will see loyalty to friends, humility before God, absolute trust in God’s will, and personal surrender to God’s purposes.

Team Meditation (John 13:1-20, 31-35)

One of the most important insights in organizational development today is “servant leadership”. The concept has been successfully applied to all organizations … for-profit and non-profit … but it has its origins in the Bible. Jesus models “servant leadership” by washing the disciples’ feet and empowering them to do mission each in their own way. The “face” of the organization is not really that of the CEO, but of the individual employees who bless the public in various ways. The “face” of Jesus was never recorded or thought necessary to preserve, because the presence of Jesus is revealed in the faces of his many servants. Jesus’ disciples always say: “I am your servant, not your CEO.” And by being servants, they actually have more long lasting influence on the lives of others than if they were a CEO.

How do you lead? How do you lead your various worship teams? Are you an authority figure who tells everybody what to do and how to do it? Do you control everyone and everything even if it is for the “greater good” of achieving the perfect anthem or the greatest worship service? Will anyone really remember that great anthem or perfect worship for long?

Or do you lead by serving? Do you pay attention first and foremost to the spiritual growth and well being of your teammates? Do you mentor them to go deeper into their relationship with Christ? Do you show them how to sacrifice perfection for people? Do you allow them to take risks, make mistakes and then coach them to learn? Help another grow and they will remember you forever.

Worship Theme (Ruth 1:1-17 and 4:13-17)

This is really the story of two women. The obvious protagonist in the story is Ruth, and we read about her self-sacrifice and loyalty to Naomi. Naomi was an Israelite from Bethlehem; Ruth was a Moabite who married one of Naomi’s sons. When their husbands both died, Ruth refused to leave her mother-in-law as was her right, choosing instead to support her in difficult times. Being foreign born and poor, all the eligible male relatives of Naomi refused to marry Ruth … until Boaz. Their marriage was a union of the least likely people imaginable. There was no “profit” or “advantage” for either of them in it. Yes, it can be said that Ruth and Boaz loved each other, but do not be deceived by modern romanticism to think that “love was everything”. Love was a very distant, secondary matter compared to the responsibility Ruth felt for Naomi and that Boaz felt for Ruth. Their actions were dictated not by their emotions, so much as by their intuition for what was truly right and in accord with the ancient covenant of God and Israel.

It is significant that in the end, the baby born to Ruth and Boaz is not primarily identified by people with them. They say: “A son has been born to Naomi!” Naomi has been the real leader of this small, impoverished clan. Her influence has been felt in the lives of Ruth, and Boaz, and presumably in the life of their child Obed. Ruth would be the grandmother of David; and Naomi would be the great-grandmother of David. They were all born in Bethlehem. And one day, a distant relative would be born in Bethlehem. As David revealed the faith, loyalty, and love modeled in his grandparents … so Jesus would model the faith, loyalty, and love modeled in David. They are family.

Worship Design (Ruth 1:1-17 and 4:13-17)

In North America, as well as around the world, family comes in all sorts of different configurations.  Intact nuclear families are no longer the norm.  Many, if not most, of the other configurations have been labeled "broken" or "dysfunctional."  This isn’t the place nor the time to debate the ideal, but an opportunity to address the reality.  Most of the people in your congregation are products of, or living in, one of these alternative configurations.  This week, addressing the form and function of family provides an opportunity to reflect on the legacy we are leaving for the future.

Naomi was a matriarch pure and simple.  Often both matriarchs and patriarchs get a bad name because they are regularly portrayed as tyrannical dictators concerned only in securing their own best interest.  However, Naomi breaks that mold into thousands of pieces.  Rather than domineering, Naomi's example so inspired Ruth that she became a permanent member of Naomi's family and a committed follower of the One True God.   Although Ruth was an outsider - a foreigner - Naomi's adoption of Ruth into the family is an example for us all today.  To adapt a phrase from Forest Gump, "Family is what family does."  The kind of legacy a family leaves is shaped by the relationships they forge.  As Tom points out, from Ruth to David and beyond, the family bonds of love, trust, and loyalty were shaped by Naomi's life example.

The popularity of the show Friends is a good example of one of the alternative family configurations in North America today.  Family created by intention rather than by birth is often more normative for family today.  Virtually all of the episodes are available on DVD today, though running an episode's theme song with cast credits would likely be enough of an introduction to launch into a discussion of how family may be configured today.  On the other hand, there are number of episodes that offer great discussion fodder, especially in episodes that explore family dynamics (season 8 deals with Rachel's pregnancy and some family issues). 

Another video opportunity with multiple opportunities to explore the legacy of family is found in one of the late scenes of Stepmom.  In this movie Isabel Kelly (Julia Roberts) is the incoming stepmom while Jackie Harrison (Susan Sarandon) is the ex-wife who learned she is dying of cancer.  In this scene, the two women come to terms with the legacies each of them will leave with "their" children - Jackie has the past and Isabel has the future (chapter 26, timestamp 1:46:00).

Consider using the worship service to explore not only the legacy we leave our immediate family, but the legacy we leave as church.

Bill T-B

Small Group Discussion (The Book of Ruth)

What are good family values?  One of the political footballs that's been kicked around from end to end is the disintegration of the family system into a dysfunctional pool of immorality.  Unfortunately, it seems that the only functional family to be found today is on TVLand's Leave it to Beaver.  In truth, every family is simultaneously dysfunctional and functional by degrees.  The goal of the Christ-centered family is to create and leave a legacy of faith that will be an anchor through the storms that assail all of us.

The book of Ruth provides an opportunity to explore the creation of faith legacies that are strong enough to weather the years.

Before the small group meets, each participant should have read and studied this week's Scripture passages.

Discuss the following in your small group time.

1.     What characteristics do you think Naomi exhibited that would have inspired Ruth to leave her home and to adopt the Israelite faith?

2.     What characteristics do you think Ruth exhibited that Boaz found noteworthy enough to marry a foreigner?

3.     What characteristics do you think Boaz exhibited that Naomi found noteworthy enough to encourage Ruth to pursue a relationship with him?

4.     What characteristics of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz do you see passed on into David's life?  Into Jesus' life?

5.     What characteristics of your life would you rather not pass on to the future?

6.     What characteristics of your faith do you hope to pass on to others?  In what ways do those important to you see these characteristics in action?

Bill T-B

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3rd Sunday in July (Week 29) David’s Heritage (1 Samuel 1:19-27 and 3:1-21; Acts 22:3-21, 26:2-18; 1 Samuel 1-3)

In order to understand David, you have to understand Samuel. Samuel is the key figure in the emerging crisis of Israel as they struggle to remain loyal to the covenant that brought them to the Promised Land. Ancient political historians liked to describe Joshua’s invasion of Canaan as a “conquest”, but in fact it was more of a “marriage by convenience”. The Israelites did conquer some strongholds, but more and more these newcomers survived and thrived through various alliances and accommodations with the indigenous people already in the “Promised Land”.

Indeed, for centuries the entire region had been a kind of “No-Man’s Land” for invading armies. Hittites to the north, Egyptians to the south, Babylonians to the east, and the entire western seaboard open to marauding pirate immigrants like the Philistines. The land was really populated by remnants of tribes and refugees. The twelve tribes of Israel fit right in.

Nobody one people or tribe could lift their head high enough to establish much power, so for a long time Israel was ruled by a series of “judges” … wise, spiritual leaders, sometimes warriors, who could interpret the law and keep the people aligned with God’s covenant. Eli, and then Samuel, were the last of these leaders.

The real “super powers” of that time were all in some confusion and retreat. Previously, Egyptian or Hittite influence had kept a measure of peace and justice in the land (enough peace and justice to let Ruth and Boaz farm the land and raise a family). Now that the superpowers were absent, rogue tyrants like the Philistines could flex their muscles.

Why did the people cry out for a king? Because the growing chaos in the land pushed them to demand greater organized protection. Why did Samuel resist this decision and warn the people it was a mistake? Because all successful kings eventually usurped the role of God … and the covenant would be threatened. Could a king and a covenant ever thrive together? Samuel doubted it. It would take a pretty extraordinary king for that to happen.

Team Meditation (Acts 22:3-21, 26:2-18)

Exactly why God calls forth certain people to provide leadership is always a mystery. There was a crisis that provoked the call of Saul (who changed his name to Paul), although it probably was not apparent to the Christian church at the time. God knew that temple persecution of the church would increase, and that unless the church broke out of the box of Judaism it would either die or become another sect like the Essenes. So God chose Saul (Paul), partly because his history would almost force him out of the box and into the gentile world. This special call to the gentiles became more and more clear to Paul as he traveled and preached, so that by the time he was arrested and taken to Rome he was extremely focused on his purpose.

Leaders often feel called … but are unclear what they are called to do, or to whom they are called to go. This clarity only comes through trial and error, prayerful questioning, and risk. I often wondered why Paul was so determined to address the mob as the Romans took him away. Surely he knew it was a waste of time? I think he was testing yet again the real focus of his call … trying to decide whether to press the matter all the way to Rome or slip out of the legal constraints by announcing his citizenship (as he had done before). He used the mob as a way to focus the call. When the mob erupted in anger just at the point of his announcing his mission to the gentiles, he knew what his call really way.  There was no future for him inside Judaism. He would go to Rome … and he rode that wave of conviction to the end.

Worship Theme (1 Samuel 1:19-27 and 3:1-21)

The covenant between God and Israel meant that in times of trouble, God would respond. We see this happen in the Bible again and again. The real key to God’s response is almost always a “call”. God “calls forth” a leader who will become God’s instrument for justice and hope. “Crisis” and “call” have always gone together. Sometimes the crisis is very plain to everyone … and sometimes the crisis is only plain to God and becomes clear to people only in retrospect. Sometimes the leader who is “called forth” is a military savior, and sometimes it is a prophet, wise man or wise woman, priest, or king.

The “call” rarely happens the same way twice. Abraham had a strange visitor; Moses saw a burning bush unconsumed; Gideon witnessed a miracle; and if you read the book of “Judges” you will find incredible diversity in the skills, personalities, and ideas of the men and women God “called forth” in times of crisis. For Samuel, it happened when he was sleeping. A voice woke him three times, and three times it was dismissed as a silly dream. It took a true mentor like Eli to realize that what seemed a silly dream might in fact be the voice of God.

Whatever we might think about God’s harsh treatment of Eli, both he and Samuel model the radical obedience of the one who is called to the Lord. When Eli hears of his own demise, and that of his family, he simply accepts God’s will. Throughout Samuel’s own life, whatever the trials and tribulations, he will simply accept God’s will.

So here we begin to understand the nature of God’s calling:

-          It comes in a time of crisis, recognized or hidden;

-          It comes in mysterious ways … and often requires a mentor to help discern it;

-          It requires absolute trust and radical obedience … even the loss of all one holds dear.

In ancient time, the call of God was not a status symbol and the focus of celebration. It was a heavy burden and the source of consternation.

Worship Design  (1 Samuel 1:19-27 and 3:1-21)

The question of "calling" is one that the church culture has often reserved for clergy; however, the scriptures don't make this distinction.  God's calling is extended to all who call upon the name of the Lord.  The question becomes, then, called for what?

Many people of the pews have maintained their affiliation with the church as spectators, willing to participate in the many church programs from the safety of the "bleachers."   The Pareto Principle, often known as the 80-20 Rule, is possibly never more true than in the church: twenty percent of the members do eighty percent of the ministry - which mathematically leaves eighty percent of the membership to watch from the sidelines. 

But God's call rests upon each of us who has willingly accepted the covenant of Jesus Christ.  Our task is to be faithful in discerning our particular calling and then to put that calling to practice. 

This week's discipleship worship is designed to illuminate the reality of God's call and to motivate the eighty percent (or more in many cases) to actively explore what God has in mind for them.

Begin with a clip from The Rookie.  Use the clip right after Coach Jim Morris (Dennis Quaid) and his high school team wins the championship and the boys remind him of his promise to try out for the Major League.  In the clip Coach Morris is less than enthusiastic about his promise, but on the way home gets the local constabulary to time a couple of pitches.  The scene is a turning point for him as he begins to understand that perhaps he may be "called" to the Majors.  An alternative scene to use would be the scene, later in the movie, where he and his father (Brian Cox) discuss Jim's decision about pursuing the Majors - and what it has cost him in the past.

There are a number of experiences to consider during this worship time.  If the participants have not yet taken the Personal Ministry Assessment (currently available at www.bktb.com) or Discovering Our Place in God's World (http://www.easumbandy.com/store/shop/EBA_store.html?state=link&sku=2005), or some another spiritual gift and passions inventory, this might be a good opportunity to provide the congregation that opportunity. 

During the service, you might also want to lead a discussion about how people receive God's call today.  Consider inviting one or two people who have expressed their commitment to a call on their life and asking them how they "knew" that God had called them.

Finally, this service would be a good place to introduce spiritual mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities in your church.

Bill T-B

Small Group Discussion (1 Samuel 1-3)

Before the small group meets, each participant should have read and studied this week's Scripture passages.

These passages are a contrast between faithfulness and faithlessness.  Hannah, a childless woman, has suffered ongoing torment for her childlessness.  Desperate circumstances often calls for desperate measures and she calls upon the Lord for relief - but in doing so, she makes a covenant of her own with God.  "Give me a son and I'll give him to you."  The Lord hears her prayers and grants her petition.  Hannah, in turn, is faithful to her promise.

Meanwhile, Eli the priest's sons are contrasts in faith.  Rather than honoring God, they are clearly "in it" for their own self-interest.  And though God had promised that the lineage of Eli would remain as priests, the boy's faithlessness nullifies the covenant.

Samuel, the son of Hannah, therefore becomes the child of promise.  While in the care of Eli, Samuel recognizes the call of the Lord through Eli's insight and mentorship.  It will be Samuel who will lead Israel over the next years, calling them to be faithful.  And it will be Samuel who will protest the nation's decision to crown a king, but he will also remain faithful as God acquiesces and chooses the first monarchy of Israel.

Discuss the following in your small group time.

1. In these passages God appears to have a mind-change a couple of times.  First, the Lord is credited with "closing" Hannah's womb, but then opens it in response to her prayers.  Second, God had promised that the sons of Aaron would serve forever as priests, but the evil disregard Eli's sons had for their priestly duties causes God to have second thoughts and put an end to that covenant, at least through Eli's lineage.  Discuss how you see God honoring faithfulness - and the consequences you've seen of faithlessness.
2. Commitment to the Lord can be a costly endeavor.  What are some of the costs of commitment you identify in these passages?  What costs have you had to pay for your commitment?  Would you be able to pay the price Hannah paid? 
3. Jesus reminded his followers that "Many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14).  In today's vernacular we might rephrase that saying, "Many are called, but few are faithful in that calling."  Discuss the difference between Hophni and Phinehas response to their calling and Samuel's response.  How have you responded to your calling?

Bill T-B

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4th Sunday in July (Week 30) David’s Heritage (1 Samuel 10:1-24; 1 Peter 2:1-10; 1 Samuel 8-10 and 15:10-35)

We spend a lot of energy wanting to be “chosen”.  Children dream of being tragically orphaned and then adopted by royalty.  Adults dream of being selected for a big promotion … elected President … appointed captain-general … and elevated from non-entity to Hollywood stardom. Our dreams of “being chosen” are filled with notions of privilege. We think only of the personal benefits … the attention, adulation, and honors.

It’s pretty clear by the time of Samuel that “being chosen” has brought none of these things to Israel. “Being chosen” has been more about duty, obligation, discipline, and hard work … and the “rewards” have been endurance, survival, and hope in the midst of seemingly inevitable disaster. No wonder that Saul actually didn’t want to be the king of these people. Why would anyone want to be “chosen” to rule of this “chosen people”?

Samuel’s big worry was that once he became King, Saul’s notions of “chosen-ness” would turn away from duty to privilege. He might just behave like the rest of the kings, pharaohs, monarchs, and Hollywood stars, and thus betray the covenant. It’s a big temptation to move from “chosen” to “privileged”. Just look at the church.

Team Meditation (1 Peter 2:1-10)

1 Peter 2:9-10   ⁹ But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  ¹⁰ Once you were no people but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.

These words are most commonly used in every ordination or commission service for clergy and church office. Whenever they are read, look around and see how proud and “puffed up” people become. They become filled with their importance, clearly expecting the adulation and honor of the public. Perhaps in the days of Christendom that might have happened … just as in the days of King David that might have happened to the leaders of Israel. In days of peace and supremacy, church leaders can strut in public and privately bitch about poor financial giving, backsliding worship attendance, and the hostility of the local city council.

It is much harder to believe this statement in “normal times”. Normal times are the times stress and perseverance. These are the times (representing about 99% of the history of Israel, and about 75% of the history of the church) when you are not at peace and your presence is not valued by the public. It’s tough to be a priest without a sanctuary, or feel like nobility when your own family scoffs at your faith, or lead a church without a pension plan.

This passage combines the metaphor of nobility with the metaphor of Christ the rock. He is the cornerstone on which the whole edifice of the church depends … so that whatever honor we have is merely an extension of the honor owed to Christ. He is also the rock that crushes unfaithfulness. And it is this heavy judgment of God that is the tragedy of the Saul who thought “being chosen” and “being privileged” were the same thing. May God’s Rock not fall on the church!

Worship Theme (1 Samuel 10:1-24)

The best you can say about Saul’s life and leadership is that it was ambiguous. On the one hand, Saul is not only chosen by God, but clearly blessed by God. God gives Saul every chance to become a great and faithful leader.

On the one hand, God gives Saul “another heart” (verse 9). Isn’t that a wondrous miracle? What would we not give for such a miracle to happen to us? Like Saul, we are timid, afraid, and all too aware of our shortcomings and distance from God. Would that God would give us “a new heart”! Saul’s “new heart” fills him with the Holy Spirit and for a time he even prophesies in ecstasy.

Yet only days later, when it is time to be announced and presented to the people of Israel, Saul cannot be found. Samuel sifts through all the tribes, and families, and people of Israel, and when the lot falls to Saul, Saul cannot face the challenge. It is the Lord who gives him away: “He’s hiding in the baggage!” Saul knows the huge challenge and danger that will come with being king. More than this, he knows the huge temptations for power, wealth, and self-aggrandizement that will beset him … and he doubts his strength.

In the end, he is equal to the task of a soldier; and he really is not a bad ruler; but he is unable to withstand the temptations of despotism. The covenant is a demanding challenge beyond the ability of any human being to fulfill.

Worship Design (1 Samuel 10:1-24)

If I was to choose a metaphoric image for this week's worship it would probably be The Little Engine that Could.  In almost any other worship setting, this would be almost ideal.  But remember, the purpose of the Disciple Cycle is to grow, empower, support, and enable committed, authentic disciples of Jesus - and the purpose of this additional worship service is to spur the participants on to that end.  Therefore, The Little Engine that Could pales in the face of the disciple's task before them.  We're not just trying to get over a mountain pass, we're called to move the mountain - and it's going to take more than a positive mental attitude to accomplish that.  The story of Saul, his calling, his touch by the Holy Spirit, and his trepidation serves to remind us that our commitment to being a disciple of Jesus is more than a pledge to attend Sunday school.  It's a promise to take up the cross daily and follow him.

To bring this week's message home, begin by creating a list of the demands Jesus makes for those who would be faithful disciples.  Consider the following just as a list starter:

1. Give up everything. (Luke 14:33)
2. Hate your father, mother, wife, children, siblings, and yourself for Jesus' sake. (Luke 14:26)
3. Deny yourself. (Luke 9:23)
4. Expect and endure persecution. (John 15:20)
5. Love one another as Jesus loved us. (John 13:34)
6. Go into all the world to make disciples (Matthew 28:19)

Ask how many not only believes they could honor these demands, but are honoring these commands today.  And yet, these are not measures of potential, but minimum standards for a committed disciple. 

In the scripture reading for this week, Saul well knew the demands of being the king.  When we think of a king, we think of royal splendor, but that would not be Saul's entrance into his reign.  Indeed, after his coronation, when the nation needed him most, Saul was found coming in from the fields where he'd been plowing the ground behind a team of oxen - not the kind of work we expect kings to be embarking upon (1 Samuel 11:1-5). Saul knew before his anointing as king what it would take to be the monarch of Israel.  The list of demands would have included:

1. Trying to win over - or at least keep from harm from the hands of - his distractors.
2. Trying to unite a divided, tribal kingdom.
3. Raising and leading the nation's army.
4. Protecting the property and the people.
5. Honoring God by example and decree.

And again, these are just a starter.  Saul wasn't just being bashful when he hid among the baggage.  He was afraid he didn't have what it takes.

During the service, use a video clip from the 1956 musical The King and I.  Use the clip towards the end of the movie when King Mongkut (Yul Brynner) lies dying on his bed and is instructing the prince in leadership.  The prince protests and professes he doesn't have what it takes.  The scene is tender - as well as instructive - as the prince faces the reality that he will be king whether or not he feels ready for the responsibility.

As Tom points out, in the end none of us have the ability to keep the covenant.  But that doesn't lessen the burden of our responsibilities to it.

Bill T-B

Small Group Discussion (1 Samuel 8-10 and 15:10-35)

Before the small group meets, each participant should have read and studied this week's Scripture passages.

Have you ever noticed how few prominent leaders finish well?  As great as they may have been in their heyday, as many incredible accomplishments they may have instigated when they were at the top, many, if not most, of our prominent leaders fall from grace and finish their race with less than stellar records.  Great beginnings do not guarantee great endings. 

Saul is one of these examples.  Chosen by God to lead the nation, Saul seems to begin his reign with the fear of the Lord and with a measure of humility.  Touched by the Holy Spirit, Saul gets the opportunity to experience what many of us desperately wish for ourselves.  But even with that, in the end, Saul fails miserably.  The end of his reign is marked by poor judgment, bad choices, even worse decisions, and ultimately blatant disobedience.

Discuss the following in your small group time.

1. Israel wanted a visible, tangible king "like everybody else" rather than having to depend on an invisible, intangible God.  Why do you think there is such resistance to being radically different than those around us?  Is your church radically different from the world around you in terms of: Loving one another?  Encouraging one another?  Obedience to Jesus' commands?  Give examples of each - and consider whether those examples are really any different than those of a "good moral person" in the culture who is not a disciple of Jesus.
2. Discuss the warnings of Samuel about the demands a king would make upon the nation.  Jesus said that believers should "count the cost" of becoming a disciple (Luke 14:25-35).  What are the costs of being a disciple that you have experienced?  How do these line up with what Jesus demands?
3. Saul was the recipient of an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on his life before his coronation by Israel.  What attributes, behaviors, talents, and gifts do you think made Saul suitable to be the first king of Israel?
4. Even though Saul clearly had experienced God's calling and had been touched directly by God, he still managed to finish poorly.  What do you think caused Saul to fail so badly that God would remove him from leadership?  Why do you think so many prominent leaders of our day finish badly?
5. What are you doing to ensure that you will finish well?

Bill T-B

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5th Sunday in July (Week 31) David’s Heritage (1 Samuel 16:1 – 17:58; 2 Timothy 2:1-15; 1 Samuel 16 – 21 and 31)

The titanic … and tragic … struggle between Saul and David marks a dramatic change both for the history and the self-perception of the people of Israel. You can see this change reflected even in the manner of storytelling. Up to this point, there is a certain barbarity about the covenant between God and Israel. While we are impressed with its powerful demands for faithfulness and promises of rescue, the early stories seem to contain so many experiences of violence and stark judgments that make us cringe. Once David’s story is introduced, however, there is a new depth of character, sensitivity to personality, and generosity of spirit revealed in the covenant. At this point in scripture, I am often reminded of the dramatic moment in film history in “The Wizard of Oz” when the black-and-white images are suddenly filled with color. A new depth of covenant is revealed.

Of course, it is not just the manner of the storytelling, but the story itself which takes on more nuances of meaning. We will see David transgress from the law as badly, or worse, than Saul. Yet there will be repentance, and forgiveness, and signs of a more complex love that will never end.

Team Meditation: (2 Timothy 2:1-15)

2 Timothy 2:11-13  ¹¹ The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him;  ¹² if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;  ¹³ if we are faithless, he remains faithful -- for he cannot deny himself.

Paul is apparently quoting from some source of folklore that would be understandable to his hearers. Whatever it is, it is anchored in the original meaning of covenant with Israel, refined through the experience of Christ. If we remain faithful, persist and endure in following him, then we shall share in Christ’s glory. If we deny our faith (due to persecution or the temptations of life) we may be denied God’s approval, but in the end, we will never be denied God’s love. We may give up, but God will never give up. We may fail the test, but God will never fail the test. We may fail, but God will always succeed.

This is the impact of Christian faith on the original covenant with Israel. As we read it in the beginning, it seems that God will abandon us if we abandon God. Punishment will be inevitable. Alienation will be eternal. Yet as early as the time of David, it became clear that the people simply could not be totally obedient no matter how hard they tried. And it also became clear that by framing the covenant in this way, salvation seemed to hinge as much on our abilities as on God’s grace. We see this view coming to an end with the story of David … and by the time of Jesus the covenant has been clearly redefined. Salvation is all about grace, and whether we are perfect or imperfect, God’s love will prevail.

Worship Theme: (1 Samuel 16:1 – 17:58)

The story of David and Goliath is one of the few Biblical stories that is still engrained in the memory of contemporary culture. The “successful underdog” has become a metaphor for capitalism, sports, and even church planting. As usual, however, contemporary culture has kept the metaphor but forgotten entirely the original meaning of the story. Contemporary culture uses the story to teach self-reliance, hard work, and self-advancement. In our culture, David succeeds in vanquishing his enemy (the competition or the other team which appears to be stronger) through innovation, daring, and his own cleverness. This is the exact opposite of the intent of the original story.

David succeeds because he is the Lord’s anointed. That is the point of the story. He succeeds in spite of his inherent weakness. Saul’s armor that does not fit David represents the innovation and human control that David casts aside. He confronts the enemy just as he is, and uses whatever small gifts he possesses, knowing that his success will never be of his own doing. It will be the Lord working through him. This is a story of self-surrender, not self-advancement. It is a sign of absolute trust in the power of the Lord. Centuries later, the people will want to make Jesus a messiah with all the trappings of armor, weapons, and military might humans can invent so that he can vanquish the enemy. Like David, he will spurn the armor and appear before the enemy just as he is. And in the power of the Lord … and only by the power of the Lord … will he slay the ultimate Goliath.

Worship Design (1 Samuel 16:1 - 17:58)

In the Name of the Lord ... Just Show Up

There's an old axiom that goes "God isn't so much interested in your ability as in your availability" (of course there's the other side of the same coin that says "God can use a sharp knife better than a dull one").  Although David showed up at the battle lines between the Israelites and the Philistines as an unranked amateur, he was far from inexperienced.  He'd been unknowingly preparing for this battle from the time he was a young boy.  It wasn't like he was in the fields doing push-ups and studying books on military strategies.  No, David simply put his whole heart into whatever opportunity that was before him.  It was a matter of character - David used life's circumstances to make himself sharp, but more than that, he made himself available ... in the name of the Lord, he just showed up.

In the early years of the church, showing up was one of the expectations of every faithful disciple.  In Corinth when Paul was tossed out of the synagogue, Titius Justus was ready to offer his home as the base for the new Corinthian Church (Acts 18:7).  Nothing special, he simply made himself and his resources available - he just showed up.  Peter reminded his readers that they should always be ready to share the reason for their hope  - just show up (1 Peter 3:15).  The point is, we as the church must be ready to make the most of every opportunity that presents itself - we just have to show up.

The problem is, in the North American Church, we have a tendency to mostly enroll for educational events rather than reporting for duty in real-life.  When opportunities for ministry, mission, and for sharing our faith present themselves we too often claim we're not ready, we don't see the opportunity, or worse, we turn our heads to avoid it.  The point of this worship design is to encourage disciples to report for duty - to just show up.

This is the week we dig into the dusty oldies.  Pull out your old Westerns and find The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962 - it looks older than the release date since it's in black and white).  Use the clip towards the very end of the movie when Ransom Stoddard (James Stewart) faces down Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin) in the street.  The clip begins just before Stoddard is getting ready to face Valance in a gunfight and it is clear to everyone that Stoddard has no chance of surviving.  Indeed, even Stoddard is certain of his demise, and yet he knows he must show up!  To that end he heads out into the street and the rest, so they say, is history.  Use this clip to point out the virtues of just showing up - and that we are expected, as disciples, to be faithful and to show up.

During the service, help the participants to see that each event in their lives is the preparation for additional tasks.  Show how David learned to use his sling by protecting his flocks from predators.  Show how he learned service by being shepherd - a lowly and typically despicable task.  And how he learned to be a servant leader by being a faithful son and serving his brothers at the behest of his father.  Remind the congregants that they are more ready to share their faith than they realize (you may want to read and reference McLaren's More Ready than You Realize).  To put feet on the service, provide opportunities for the congregants to "show up" for such as prayer walks, servant evangelism events, etc.

Bill T-B

Small Group Discussion: (1 Samuel 16 – 21 and 31)

Before the small group meets, each participant should have read and studied this week's Scripture passages.

This selection tracks the rise of David from a shepherd boy with the faith to face off against the Philistine champion through his rise to a mighty warrior and "next in line" for the throne.  Prince Jonathan, son of King Saul, and his friendship and loyalty to David plays a prominent role in these readings, as does Saul's resentment of his personal deposal by God.

Up until this period in the covenantal history we would expect the chosen king to dispatch the deposed leader with a savage brutality.  Up until now we've pretty much seen it all - the slaughter of men, women, children, and even livestock in order to possess the Promised Land, let alone to the seemingly merciless  and senseless sword thrusts through kings who had been captured and rendered seemingly impotent.  But instead of pursuing his God-given right to usurp the throne in the name of the Lord, David, the man after God's own heart, does everything he can to spare the life of his arch-enemy, even though it put his own life into serious jeopardy.

Discuss the following in your small group time.

1. When Samuel goes to the house of Jesse to anoint a new king, God rejects what most would consider the pick of the litter in order to choose David ("Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" - 1 Sam 16:7).  What characteristics do you think God saw in David?
2. One of the most misunderstood character traits in the church is humility.  Many equate humility with Casper Milquetoast; however, true humility is simply an awareness and the embracing of ones abilities, both in strength and in weakness.  David repeatedly exhibits humility in these chapters even though he rises rapidly to the leader of the mighty men of valor (the rough equivalent to the Army's Green Berets or Navy Seals).  How did David exhibit humility in these passages?  Discuss your understanding of Christian humility in terms of this paragraph's definition.
3. Loyalty is a recurring theme in these passages.  Prince Jonathan repeatedly demonstrates loyalty to the usurper king.  David demonstrates loyalty to Saul.  And in the end, a nameless armor bearer demonstrates loyalty to the doomed king (see the fate of the warrior who claimed to have honored Saul's request to be slain in 2 Samuel 1).  Discuss the role of loyalty in the Christian faith.  How do you exhibit loyalty to the Lord?  To the Lord's anointed (government leaders - Romans 13:1)?  To your church leaders (Hebrews 13:17)?

Bill T-B