Background Information
Israel's transition from a time of tribal groups led by judges to the monarchy is recorded in 1 Samuel. The last of the great judges, Samuel, was guided by God to anoint Saul as king in about 1030 BC (1 Samuel 9-15). But when Saul failed to do God's will, God rejected him (15:23) and told Samuel to anoint a new king, a son of Jesse who lived in Bethlehem (16:1). Then God led Samuel to select and anoint David as the candidate of God's choice rather than other young men who seemed more qualified to human eyes (about 1010 BC).
Questions
1. Why was it risky for Samuel to go find and anoint David, and how did God advise him do it safely?
2. God's choice was not human choice. How was God's way of seeing different from human ways of seeing? What made Samuel think the older sons were more suitable, and what finally led him to chose David?
3. Do you sometimes find yourself judging by outward appearances? Why? When? Can you think of a time when your prejudice (pre-judgment) was later proved wrong? Have you ever worried about the impression you make on other people? Have you ever thought that others to not see your real potential?
4. What was given to David at the end of this story to show God's approval and support for him? Notice how at first God had supported and empowered Saul in the same way (10:9-12) and then eventually left him (16:14).
Ephesians 5:8-14 - Walking in the light of God
Background Information
Sight and light are unifying themes which connect all three of today's lessons. In chapters 4 and 5 of Ephesians Paul contrasts two ways of life: new life in Christ's love which is like living in the light where everything is visible, and the old life without Christ which is like living in darkness where sinful things are done and kept hidden. The words quoted in 5:14 may be from a very early baptismal hymn.
Questions
1. What do you think Paul meant by living in darkness? What could this mean in our modern cultural context?
2. Can you remember being afraid of the dark? Name some kinds of darkness which you and your family or friends face and fear? How could the light of Christ shine in these situations and be helpful?
3. Think of examples where journalists have shed light on things done in secret? What was the result?
4. Would you feel comfortable if everything you thought and did was exposed to the light? Why or why not?
5. We sing "We are walking in the light of Christ." What would it mean to really do that in our lives?