Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about the first book of Samuel, chapters 1 to 20.

What sort of kingdom did God want to build, and how was this shown when it worked well, and not so well? 

The rules had been set about who was meant to do what, but Samuel was a surprising addition to the line of priests who would mediate between people and God. Born of faith and dedicated in faithfulness, Samuel listened and was responsive to God, so under his leadership, people could know what God’s leadership was like.

In contrast, Israel’s next leader was a strong man, loved for his appearance and for getting things done, but more likely to do things his own way than God’s way.

What can we learn from these people? Who do we really want to be our leaders, and how do we want to live in God’s kingdom ourselves?

The next part of our boxset will look at the rest of 1 Samuel as well as 2 Samuel chapters 1 to 10. Listen along at your own pace at severnvineyard.org/bible.