In 1 Samuel 24, we encounter a unique situation where there are two anointed figures, David and Saul, face off once again. David, is confronted with a moral dilemma and the angst of his men when he finds Saul vulnerable in a cave but chooses not to harm him. Instead, he cuts off the corner of Saul’s robe, bringing to mind the words of Samuel in 1 Sam 15:27–28. Truly the kingdom is being ripped away from Saul but David does not chose to play the hand that brings it down. Instead, David relies on God’s providence, spares Saul’s life, and leaves the outcome in God’s hands. David exemplifies his faith in divine justice and the belief that God will ultimately establish His chosen ruler.

In Genesis 30, we see Jacob’s journey with Laban culminate. God protects and provides for Jacob amid Laban’s deceit. Jacob, initially seeking refuge, now heads a growing household. His wives, Leah and Rachel, have children, and maidservants do too. Laban manipulates Jacob’s wages, but God ensures Jacob’s well-being and prosperity, multiplying his flocks and resources. This highlights God’s faithfulness and promise fulfillment to His chosen people.

The wall is built, the doors are set, the surrounding peoples have fallen in their own esteem as they detect the Lord’s hand at work. And yet danger remains. Join us as we consider the next chapter and see the necessity of guarding the church, of building up the church, and of leaning on the Lord as he manifests this protection and growth in his church across generations.

David’s flight persists as he returns to his home territory, Judah, where he should expect to find safety. However, upon his arrival, he is immediately confronted with news of a Philistine assault on the town of Keilah. Now, he faces crucial decisions. Should he intervene and rescue the town? Or should he leave the matter for Saul to handle? And, perhaps more importantly, will his men join him in this perilous venture? How will the town will respond when Saul comes looking?
As the chapter unfolds, it leads us to another town, a second pursuit, and an unexpected encounter with the Philistines—this time in David’s favor. Amidst these challenges, Saul relies solely on human intelligence, while David relies on the watchful protection of the LORD.

This morning we continue in the patriarchal narratives and move into Genesis 29, asking what will become of the promises to Abraham as Jacob departs from the promised land in search of a wife. What is the nature of his interaction with the shepherds? How is Rachel portrayed? Why does Laban trick Jacob into marrying Leah first, and how on earth did he not know? How do we see God at work despite and even by means of so many competing human schemes? And we didn’t even get around to talking about meeting an eligible young maiden at a well…

What does it look like to take up the whole armor of God in the face of determined opposition? This morning we consider (1) the death throes of a defeated enemy, (2) the strategies of a prepared warrior, and (3) wearing the armor of God today. As we consider Nehemiah in light of Ephesians 6:10–20 we see a living example of what it looks like to put on the whole armor of God.

David is on the lam, and Israel continues to suffer under Saul’s reign as he comes to pieces and drags the nation down with him. Join us as we work through three short episodes that set up a longer narrative concerning the priesthood. As David’s self-preservation brings the curse on Eli’s household to fruition, what will become of God’s people caught in the middle? And how will the Lord use this season to mold
David into the king Israel needs instead of the ruler they deserve?

In Genesis 28, Jacob is sent away and while on his journey, he dreams of a ladder connecting Earth and Heaven, with angels ascending and descending, and God affirms His covenant with him. Jacob awakens in awe, realizing God’s presence in that place, and names it Bethel, the “house of God.” He makes a vow to serve God and tithe, demonstrating his deep faith in the Lord. This chapter marks a pivotal moment when Jacob’s faith is solidified, setting the stage for his role as a patriarch of Israel.

We’ve heard much of external threats to the community in Ezra-Nehemiah, but here Nehemiah turns to confront internal struggles, as brothers and sisters suffer oppression—even from oppressors in their community! Yet see how, through Nehemiah, the Lord meets the needs of those who need provision and of those who need forgiveness and accountability. And let us see how Nehemiah points us to Jesus, who meets our deepest needs.