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…

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.

Once again Saul plots against David, but this time leaving Jonathan in the dark. As David brings it to light, Jonathan must now choose between honoring his father and obeying the Lord, and David must find a way of escape. What will become of them? Of Saul? Of Israel? Yet God is faithful, even when his king is not, and his people tremble.

How are prudence and preparation reflexes of faith? Consider with us how Nehemiah 4 demonstrates that the enemies of God’s people do not rest, that Christ equips his people to engage the enemy, and that God shows his strength in our weakness.

God’s election of Jacob over Esau works itself out as parental preference rots the relationship between siblings and each parent schemes to steal away the blessing on behalf of their favorite son. Join us as we continue in the patriarchal narratives and consider how the ugly side of the family of faith speaks a word of grace into our own lives.

Three more times Saul seeks to get rid of David; a third time, David evades his spear. Three posses can’t round him up but prophesy, instead—as does Saul, naked and shamed, divested of his robes of office by his own hand under the influence of God’s spirit. What will become of Saul’s reign as his own family publicly sides not only with David but against their father? What will become of David as he flees under cover of darkness? And what is up with the household idol, and what kind of field was he hiding in, anyway?

Today we considered the office of elder, both its qualifications and duties, as outlined by our Book of Church order and in light of the descriptions and charges given by Paul and Peter (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and 1 Peter 5). We ask you to join us in prayer as we consider whom to nominate to this office at Faith PCA, and as those nominated enter into a season of training and examination for office.