Hear the Call

Reading: 1 Samuel 16:6-13 (David’s call)

Connecting Question

When choosing fruit at the store, what do you look for?

When is a time when you felt passed over—home, work, school? What was that like?

Prayer for Illumination

Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that as the Scriptures are read and your Word is proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. Amen.

Context

Our series, HEAR THE CALL will look to Old Testament stories of Abram, Moses, David, Esther, Isaiah, and Jonah, each one had a calling and each one heard in their own ways. We can take heart knowing that they had difficulty with what God asked. We know God is calling each of us. What is your call? When we look at Easter, how do we know what God’s call is for Easter? How far will God call us to go? Let’s Hear the Call together.

From Cory Driver at EntertheBible.org:

The lives of Samuel, Saul, and David, presented so graphically with all the faults of the human condition, can serve as mirrors of our own humanity. Seeing how God works in and through these people can help us discern the activity of God in our own relationships with the Lord and with others.

Look at the Book

Open to 1 Samuel 1:10-11. This is the birth of Samuel, but notice what prompts Samuel’s birth? Who is God being faithful to in this story? Why does that matter?
Jump to 1 Samuel 16:1. Who is having a conversation? About what? What does God say?
Verse seven gives some important insight into God’s work. What do you learn?
In our culture, what does it mean to “speak from the heart?”
One scholar has said, To the ancient Hebrews the heart was the mind, the thoughts. When we are told to love Elohiym with all our heart (Deuteronomy 6:5) it is not speaking of an emotional love, but to keep our minds and our thoughts working for him. How is this different from our contemporary understanding of heart?
What would it have been like in the room as the “parade of sons” of Jesse was happening? No one was being chosen!
Why do you think David was not in the room? What was he doing?
Why do you think the Bible included details about David’s appearance?
Tell about a time you had to make a tough decision with the people in your family.
Tell about a time when tough decisions were made at Easter. Where have you seen God at work in it?
How would you apply “looking at the heart” when you come across people you think it would be difficult to have a conversation with?
David was a boy when chosen. What can we learn from younger generations? What can elders share with the young “Davids” of our world?
What is David being chosen for? Why does that matter?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

Taking it Home

Ask a young person, what do you wish people would ask about growing up today? With technology? Outlook on life?

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | Sept 22, 2024