Quick Summary:

This sermon introduces the semi-continuous series of 1st Testament readings which follows the development of Israel's kingship first under Saul, then David, then Solomon.

Two learnings are highlighted: (1) God’s methods for moving the story of redemption forward don’t always follow human logic. And (2) people chosen by God are never qualified in any way the world would recognize. “The LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

God’s reign, like this surprising scenario in 1st Samuel, is a mystery beyond our ken. It’s like the sower who scatters seed and sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed he’s sown sprouts and grows, he does not know how.