Last of Them

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Written By Jeremy Duncan

“Samuel is invested with prophetic power by an act of God. But…he is also a man, all too human…” — Robert Alter

Hebrew bible history is fraught with violence and injustice. And through each cycle of stability, unravelling, and chaos, God sends messengers to guide and support the people. This is how Samuel emerges as the last judge of Israel. He's a mouthpiece for the Divine, and he’s a political broker. He’s patient and compassionate in one scene, petty and manipulative in the next. Join us as we explore this enigmatic character whose choices shape a nation’s identity.

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Trying to Manipulate God
Trying to Manipulate God

This week, we explore key moments in the life of Saul, the first king of Israel, through the lens of 1 Samuel 13. We'll uncover the complexities of biblical translation, the importance of understanding the true purpose behind scripture, and the dangers of intertwining religion with politics. Through stories of assassination, propaganda, and manipulation, this sermon challenges us to look beyond the details and grasp the deeper lessons that guide our faith journey.

Here’s Your King
Here’s Your King

In this exploration of 1 Samuel 9-12, we delve into the intriguing story of Saul's ascension to kingship and Samuel's complex reaction. We're reminded of our human tendency to judge by appearances, as Saul is initially described as tall and handsome. Yet, the narrative subtly warns us against such superficial assessments.

You Don't Want a King
You Don't Want a King

We explore the themes of leadership, authority, and the pursuit of God's will. The story of Samuel and the Israelites' demand for a king serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that true authority lies not in titles or positions, but in the influence earned through demonstrating care and trustworthiness. We are challenged to reflect on our own choices and the ways in which we may bend towards our own desires, potentially steering away from what is just and right. The message emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance directly, rather than relying solely on human leaders.

Philistine Raiders of the Lost Ark
Philistine Raiders of the Lost Ark

We're exploring the complex relationship between God and the Israelites during the time of the judges. The story of Samuel's unexpected rise to priesthood despite not being a Levite highlights God's willingness to bend the rules when necessary to move the story forward. We see that God is open to dialogue and consistently imagines a reality unbounded by our limited expectations. Ultimately, we are reminded that God is not interested in ruthless aggression or war, even from his chosen people. God would rather lose and appear foolish than support our endless pursuits of violence.

The Rise of Samuel
The Rise of Samuel

In the sermon, Bobbi discusses the leadership transition in ancient Israel, focusing on Samuel's story in 1 Samuel 1-4. We get the highlights of the contrasting characters: bad boy Samson from Judges and good boy Samuel, tracing how the latter becomes a prophet. We also explore themes of faithfulness, human agency, and divine intervention, using Hannah's story of barrenness. Hannah's faith and strength point us to the broader themes of perseverance and hearing God's call during times of change.

Downfall of Samson
Downfall of Samson

This week, we explore the complex narrative of Samson in the Book of Judges, a story of strength, weakness, and hope. Samson's life is meant to challenge Israel by reflecting its chaotic state and relationship with God, but also it is meant to challenge us, asking how we can embody a strength that heals.

Deborah and Jael
Deborah and Jael

This sermon explores the stories of two unique judges, Shamgar and Deborah, in the Book of Judges. It highlights how their stories expand the narrative of salvation and leadership, challenging the Israelites' preconceived notions. The sermon suggests that even in the midst of the conquest of Canaan, there are hints that salvation and leadership can come from unexpected sources, such as a Canaanite warrior (Shamgar) and a woman (Deborah). The story of Jael, a foreign woman who defeats Sisera, further emphasizes this point. While the violence in these stories is not celebrated, the sermon points out that they may be part of a larger journey towards peace and a more inclusive understanding of God's plan.

Reckoning with Biblical Violence
Reckoning with Biblical Violence

Listen in as we grapple with the challenging depictions of divine violence in the Hebrew scriptures, contrasted with Jesus' message of grace and love. We delve into how these ancient texts can be reinterpreted through the compassionate lens of Jesus' life, steering clear of projecting our biases onto the divine. With insights from Robert Allen Warrior's analysis on the implications of conquest narratives for indigenous peoples, this conversation urges a thoughtful examination of our spiritual evolution and the consequences of our interpretations.

Jeremy Duncan
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Reckoning with Biblical Violence
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Joy of Friends