We are attempting to both enter God’s Upper and Bigger Story – taking in the overall arc of this amazing narrative of redemption – AND find where that Upper Story intersects and encompasses our own Lower Stories. In this chapter we see something that still takes place today, a few thousand years later: the human tendency to pick leaders based on outward appearances. Because Samuel listens to God, the ‘runt of Jeese’s litter’ is anointed as Israel’s future king. David is an amazingly differentiated human being – even at a young age. When you’re differentiated, you’re not afraid to speak up – with your words and life. That’s David. We’re invited to be God’s differentiated people. Different; not like all the others. So who are you uniquely? Do you know? 

Printed Sermon

Scripture Readings: 

- 1 Samuel 16:1, 4-7 (NIV) by Tasha Haley, Children's Ministry Assistant

- 1 Samuel 17:8-11, 16, 32-40, 45-50 (NIV) by Tom Hansen, Senior Pastor

As we go through the Old Testament portion of The Story, there are many questions about violence, war and bloodshed.  To help us think through these sensitive and important questions, the following resources are recommended.

Did God Order Genocide in the Old Testament?

This is a one-page article from a publication of the Christian Reformed Church. It will not answer all of your questions, but help us to think more deeply about the scriptures and our responses to them.

God Has a Name Teaching Podcast by John Mark Comer

• Episode 1: Yahweh
• Episode 2: Yahweh Elohim
• Episode 3: Compassionate and Gracious
• Episode 4: Slow to Anger
• Episode 5: Forgiving Wickedness, Rebellion, and Sin
• Episode 6: Carry the Name