Zero to Hero
About twelve years ago, I wrote a series of eight sessions for our Sunday School about the life of David entitled ‘Zero to Hero’.
Now seems like a good time to revisit that material.
Chosen!
Dramatic Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 – Narrator, The Lord, Samuel, Jesse
Narrator: The LORD said to Samuel –
The Lord: How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.
Samuel: How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.
The Lord: Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.
Narrator: Samuel did what the LORD said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?”
Samuel: Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD. Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.
Narrator: Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed stands here before the LORD.”
But the LORD said to Samuel –
The Lord: Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.
Narrator: Then Jesse called Abinadab and had him pass in front of Samuel. But Samuel said –
Samuel: The LORD has not chosen this one either.
Narrator: Jesse then had Shammah pass by, but Samuel said –
Samuel: Nor has the LORD chosen this one.
Narrator: Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him –
Samuel: The LORD has not chosen these. Are these all the sons you have?
Jesse: There is still the youngest. He is tending the sheep.
Samuel: Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.
Narrator: So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.
Then the LORD said –
The Lord: Rise and anoint him; this is the one.
Narrator: So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David.
Quiz
- Why did the Lord send the prophet Samuel to see Jesse of Bethlehem?
- What was Samuel scared of?
- Why did the Lord not choose the first son to be King?
- Who did the Lord choose to be King?
- How do you think everyone there that day felt about the Lord’s choice?
Dare to explore: Feeling special (or not)
Think about examples of being picked (sports team / job in the classroom / to go on stage with a magician / to sing a solo…). How does it feel to be picked or not picked? How can we express and deal with these feelings?
Dynamic Prayer
Think about how David may have felt to be picked for such a special role. (a mix of bewilderment, fear an wonder most probably)
And then make up a prayer of your own with all the lines starting “Thank you God that I am….” or “I am special because…” in nice pens / colours etc. Take time to reflect and pray these prayers silently or to share prayers with the group as appropriate.
Share
Each of us is special and unique. No two people in the world would ever fill in this form the same!
All about me!
Name: ………………………………………………………………………..Nickname: …………………………………………..
Age: ……………………………..Birthday: ………………………..
Height: …………………………Hair: ……………………………Eyes: ……………………………
Unique feature: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Favourite sport…………………..Favourite singer…………………………
Favourite TV Programme…………………………………………………….
Favourite colour………………… Favourite number………………………..
Favourite animal………………..Favourite food…………………………….
I am special because……………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Lots to think about there about being chosen (or not), feeling special and unique (like David), encouraging others to see that they are special and unique (especially when they are not picked like David’s brothers!)……and this –
This is surely THE most important message to take away and live out in our lives today and everyday.
