Happy Easter! This week we take a short break from First Samuel to look at the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus after Jesus had been raised from the dead. It is a unique story of two men who failed to recognize the Lord they loved even though he was present with them. It is a story that tells us what it really takes to see the risen Christ for who he is.

Happy Easter! This week we take a short break from First Samuel to look at the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus after Jesus had been raised from the dead. It is a unique story of two men who failed to recognize the Lord they loved even though he was present with them. It is a story that tells us what it really takes to see the risen Christ for who he is.

Chapter 12 brings us Samuel’s final address to the people of Israel as their leader. It is not the sentimental type of outgoing speech that we have come to expect from our leaders before they leave their post. Instead, Samuel reminds them of the unrighteous demand for a king that has brought them to this moment. Although the people tremble at the reality of their wickedness, Samuel assures them of God’s continued faithfulness and love.

We dive back into 1st Samuel with the story of God’s deliverance of his people through Saul. It is a rare story where Saul is the protagonist and faithfully serves God in his position as king. But the focus is on God’s power to save his people. A truth that we stake everything on as followers of Jesus Christ.

This week our guest speaker is Julio Chiang, Pastor of City Church: Lima, Peru.

This week we come to the story of how Israel got her very first human king. On the one hand, Saul is God’s chosen man, God gives him His Spirit, and the people shout, “Long live the king!” On the other hand, while Saul disobeys Samuel’s instructions, and when it comes time to be king, he is hiding among the luggage. Despite the story being a mixed bag, there is one constant we can be confident in: a good God.

This week we come to a point in Israel’s history where everything is about to change. The people demand a king to rule over them. Samuel has become an old man and his children have taken over his duties as a judge. They, like Hophni and Phinehas earlier in the narrative, abuse their position and the people want to see a complete restructuring of how they are governed. The problem is that this request may come with more than what they bargained for.

In 1 Samuel 4-6 we see Israel suffer a major defeat at the hands of the Philistines and the ark of the covenant is captured, only to single-handedly defeat the Philistines and return back to Israel. This week, Israel, through the leadership of Samuel, finally repents and turns back to the LORD. The Philistines attack once again but this time the LORD rescues them and God’s people experience spiritual renewal. This whole story is meant to gives us a picture of real repentance.

This week continues the saga of the ark of God. In chapter 4, the Israelites had lost it after taking it out of the tabernacle to use it like a good luck charm in their battle against Philistines. This week, we see the trouble that comes upon the Philistines as they trifle with God’s presence themselves. The passage ends with the ark returning to Israel, but not before God’s people suffer one more devastating blow.

Over the next three chapters of 1 Samuel (4-6) we’re going to follow the story of the ark of the covenant. Here in chapter 4 we see God’s people attempt to use the ark like a rabbit’s foot and force God to do their will. The results will be disastrous as they not only suffer defeat, but God’s glory departs from his people. In this story is a vivid reminder for us to live under God’s will and for his glory, not our own.