Ian McAdie )Spring Blossoms Forth – Maple Ridge, British Columbia)
Facilitator: Stephen Weller
924 words, 5 minutes read time
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Rejecting God as King, Seeking the Bread of Life, Remembering Mercy, and Living in Righteousness
Old Testament Reading
1 Samuel 8:1–9:27 — Israel Demands a King and God Raises Up Saul
Overview:
As Samuel grew old, his sons judged Israel but were corrupt, leading the elders to demand a king like the nations. This request rejected the Lord as their true King. God instructed Samuel to warn them of the burdens a human king would bring, yet the people insisted. God granted their request, and the narrative shifts to Saul, a Benjamite chosen by God. Saul is introduced as he searches for lost donkeys and encounters Samuel, whom God had already revealed as the future king. The section ends with Samuel preparing to reveal God’s calling upon Saul.
Theological Themes:
• Rejection of God’s kingship
• God’s sovereignty in granting human desires
• Divine providence in raising leaders
Key Verse:
1 Samuel 8:7 – “And the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.’”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- Why was Israel’s request for a king sinful?
Answer:
Israel desired to be like the surrounding nations, rejecting God’s direct rule over them. Their request reflected a lack of trust in God’s leadership and a desire for human security. - Why did God allow Israel to have a king?
Answer:
God sometimes allows people to experience the consequences of their desires. Even in this, He remained sovereign and used the monarchy to accomplish His purposes in Israel’s history. - What does Saul’s introduction reveal about God’s providence?
Answer:
Ordinary events, like searching for lost donkeys, led Saul to Samuel. This shows that God works through everyday circumstances to accomplish His divine plan.
New Testament Reading
John 6:22–42 — Jesus the Bread of Life
Overview:
After the feeding of the five thousand, the crowd sought Jesus, motivated by physical needs rather than spiritual understanding. Jesus challenged them to seek food that endures to eternal life and declared Himself to be the Bread of Life. He explained that true belief comes from the Father drawing people to Him and that He came down from heaven to give life to the world. The crowd grumbled at His claim, struggling to understand His divine origin and mission.
Theological Themes:
• Jesus as the Bread of Life
• Faith as a response to God’s drawing
• Spiritual nourishment over physical provision
Key Verse:
John 6:35 – “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- Why did the crowd seek Jesus?
Answer:
They were motivated by the miracle of physical bread and desired more provision. Their focus was on temporary needs rather than eternal truth. - What does it mean that Jesus is the Bread of Life?
Answer:
Jesus alone satisfies the deepest spiritual hunger. Through Him, believers receive eternal life and a relationship with God. - Why did the people struggle with Jesus’ teaching?
Answer:
They focused on His earthly identity and could not accept that He came from heaven. Their misunderstanding revealed a lack of spiritual perception.
Psalms Reading
Psalm 106:32–48 — God’s Faithfulness Despite Israel’s Sin
Overview:
This portion of Psalm 106 recounts Israel’s continued rebellion, including provoking Moses, joining in idolatry, and intermarrying with pagan nations. Despite repeated judgment, God remembered His covenant and showed compassion. The psalm closes with a call for God to save His people and a declaration of praise, acknowledging His enduring faithfulness in the face of persistent human sin.
Theological Themes:
• Human rebellion and disobedience
• God’s covenant faithfulness
• Mercy triumphing over judgment
Key Verse:
Psalm 106:45 – “For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- How should this passage affect believers today?
Answer:
It reminds believers of God’s patience and encourages humility, repentance, and gratitude for His steadfast love. - What pattern is seen in Israel’s history?
Answer:
Israel repeatedly sinned, faced consequences, cried out, and was delivered. This cycle highlights human weakness and God’s persistent mercy. - Why did God continue to show mercy?
Answer:
God remained faithful to His covenant promises. His mercy flows from His character, not from Israel’s worthiness.
Proverbs Reading
Proverbs 14:34–35 — Righteousness Exalts a Nation
Overview:
These proverbs emphasize that righteousness brings honor and stability to a nation, while sin leads to disgrace. A wise and faithful servant earns the favor of a king, but one who acts shamefully faces judgment. The passage highlights the broader impact of individual and collective righteousness on society and leadership.
Theological Themes:
• The influence of righteousness on society
• The consequences of sin
• Wisdom and faithfulness in service
Key Verse:
Proverbs 14:34 – “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- What does it mean that righteousness exalts a nation?
Answer:
When people live according to God’s standards, it leads to justice, stability, and honor. A nation grounded in righteousness reflects God’s order and blessing. - How does sin bring reproach?
Answer:
Sin corrupts individuals and societies, leading to moral decay, injustice, and ultimately disgrace before God and others. - What does verse 35 teach about leadership and service?
Answer:
Faithful and wise service earns favor, while dishonorable actions bring judgment. This principle applies both in earthly leadership and in one’s relationship with God.
Anchor My Faith 
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