Episode 4

Abraham to David

• We are called to trust, God moves the story along by calling ordinary people to trust and obey.
• We are blessed so that we might be a blessing. The people of Israel are to be God’s redemptive agents, seeking shalom in every aspect of daily life and being a blessing to the world.

David to Exile

• During the exile it looked like God had failed to keep his promises to Israel, but God keeps the story moving even when his people fail him.

Exile to Jesus

• Against all expectations, God brings the story to a magnificent fulfillment in Jesus and promises to redeem all of creation.

Lecturer
Phil Long

Interviews
Rich Dean
Eugene Peterson
Soong-Chan Rah
 

Reflection

• What has God been saying to me through this episode (encouragement, challenge)?
• What was significant or new? What questions did it raise?

Discussion

• What was God’s purpose in calling Israel? How did God work in the life of Israel and ordinary people?
• Rich Dean shares several complex situations he has faced. Are there situations or areas of life that are impossible to redeem? Should Christians be involved? Discuss why or why not.
• What complex situations have you experienced? What can you learn from the story of God’s relationship with Israel in these situations?

Bonus Clip

In the story Rich Dean tells in Episode 4, the good decisions he makes lead to a positive outcome. This may raise questions in your group, as “right” decisions are not always black and white, and they don't necessarily lead to positive outcomes. You may want to consider this bonus clip, in which Rich talks about the brokenness of life and how he made an “ugly compromise.”

God calls us, like Israel, to be a blessing to others through acts of everyday faithfulness. Remember a time when someone helped you during a difficult time through an act of kindness. Or when someone blessed you with a simple gesture. What impact did this have on you? If appropriate, share this experience with the group.

Now think of someone you would like to encourage, either as a group or personally. It could be a friend, a family member, or a colleague. Before the next session, try to do something to encourage and bless them. This could involve taking the person out for a meal or coffee, or writing them a note. Tell them what you appreciate about them. Be specific in your encouragement.

From the Codex Calixtinus, an illustrated manuscript from the 12th century that includes sermons, songs, and advice for pilgrims traveling the Way of St. James (El Camino de Santiago).

God, you called your servant Abraham from Ur in Chaldea, watching over him in all his wanderings, and guided the Hebrew people as they crossed the desert. Guide and guard us your children who, for the love of your name, journey through this life. Be our companion on the way, our guide at the crossroads, our strength in weariness, our defense in dangers, our shelter on the path, our shade in the heat, our light in the darkness, our comfort in discouragement; that through your guidance, we may arrive safely at the end of our journey and, enriched with grace and truth, may return to our homes filled with lasting joy.
 

Episode List

Download Leader Guide (PDF, 4.4 MB)

Download Participant Guide (PDF, 4.3 MB)

Subtitles: Spanish | French | Korean | Traditional Chinese | Brazilian Portuguese