October 13, 2024 Service
1 Samuel 21 & 22 (Read the entire passage)
1 Samuel 22:1–5 (ESV)
David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men. And David went from there to Mizpeh of Moab. And he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and my mother stay with you, till I know what God will do for me.” And he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold. Then the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth.
1 Samuel 22:20–23 (ESV)
But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. And David said to Abiathar, “I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father’s house. Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping.”
David is on the run from Saul who is coming after him. At Nob, God provides for David bread and a sword. David goes to Gath and the king recognizes him. David pretends to be a “mad man” and the king sends him away. David ends up back in Nob and hides in a cave. It is here that David cries out to God. God reminds him who he is and whose he is. God protects him and provides for him. His family and many others come out to David and a community forms. God is establishing this fugitive David as a king who seeks God and a people who share a heart of devotion to God.
Reflection
How does God’s care, provision and direction for David speak to you about who God is and what He is like?
It was in dire circumstances that David cries out, and he cries out to God. When you are in a difficult situation where does your heart tend to turn?
God reminds David who he is and whose he is. Take a few minutes and reflect on this for you.
Who are you in Christ? IN CHRIST = Know who you are. Accept who you are. Be who you are.
COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION
Share what God has done in your heart this week with your community group and/or friends.
1. Review1 Samuel 21-22 - What stands out to you?
2. Talk about Saul’s relentless pursuit of David. To what length is he going? What is this fueled by?
3. How has God acted providentially, sovereignly, and practically on David’s behalf?
4. It is in dire circumstances that David cries out to God. Talk about how this is true or not true in your lives when difficult circumstances come your way.
5. How is God beginning to establish David and a community of followers of Yahweh?
6. God reminds David who he is and whose he is. Why is this important at this time?
Consider this for yourself also and talk about it together: Who are you in Christ?
IN CHRIST = Know who you are. Accept who you are. Be who you are. What would this look like if you did this more fully?
7. Pray together
Share what God has done in your heart this week with your community group and/or friends.
Grace and peace on this journey together,
Chad Hollowell
Executive Pastor