God Wants All of Us
Bradon: A huge bear is charging you. You choose to jump off the cliff into the water below. How do you jump?
Jon: I am jumping with all my might. I want to clear the rocks and hit the water!
Bradon: That’s exactly what God wants you to do!
Jon: WHAT! Coming up on the Bible Story Podcast, Bradon is going to explain himself!
Discussion Episode
1 Samuel 7:3-17
About the Story
Bradon: Last week, we told the story about the Ark of the Covenant being taken from Israel by the Philistines. As a result of taking the Ark, God killed many Philistines. After seven months, they returned the Ark, but things didn’t just get better for Israel once the Arc was returned.
Jon: No, in fact, one could maybe argue that things were slowly getting worse for the people. They were still at odds with the Philistines, and it was typically Israel on the losing side!
Bradon: This is where Samuel comes into play. He was a prophet, but he also served as a priest to Israel and into today’s story, we will see that he takes on another role within Israel.
Jon: Sounds like a very busy guy!
So there is a significant gap in time—20 years in total between when the Arc was returned and this story. Samuel had been serving the Lord faithfully and sharing the message that God would give to him!
As we tell this story, think of this desire of God that he wants all of us!
Application
Bradon: Our lesson today is this. God wants all of us. He wants all of you, and he wants every person!
Jon: I think it is important to note that God doesn’t choose sides. He waits and invites people to choose him, and he doesn’t want you to pick him and another.
Bradon: I wonder what things would have been like for the Philistines and the Israelites if they both dedicated themselves to God simultaneously?
Jon: It would be safe to say that a lot of good and blessing for many would have come about!
Bradon: I guess that is the obvious answer. God wants all of us! Jon, I have a bold question for you. Last week we noted that it’s a continual process of learning to give new things to God. So, my question is, what is an area in your life that God wants you to give him?
Jon: Oh, man, you are going straight to the heart of things. Every week we ask our listeners to be vulnerable, so I think it is fair that we share with them what God is doing in our lives.
To answer the question, I understand more fully that I can fully trust him despite the tough times in my life. His plan is good, even though I don’t feel good or like what is happening. God is working for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. So, I am allowing my doubt that God’s plan is good to die, and I trust that he is good and that his plan is good!
Bradon: Ok, so what does that look like in practice, though? As a result of trusting that his plan is good, that God is good, what is different about you or what is different in your life?
Jon: Well, I have peace amid the storm; I can and do praise God for hard things and the delightful things. My disposition is changing from despair to joy-filled hope!
Bradon: God has been transforming you, and I have to say in watching you, it’s not like you are doing all of this perfectly, but as you describe, I see you are intentionally choosing that. In short, I see God working in you!
Jon: Next week, I am asking you a tricky question!
Bradon: I will be ready!
