Something remarkable occurs after David’s victory over Goliath. Jonathan, whose place as prince regent has been lost by his father’s disobedience, gives loving loyalty to David, the man who has displaced him. In a stunning demonstration of humility, Jonathan places
Stick and stones
David goes into his fight with Goliath in a way no-one else expects, with weapons seeming incapable of taking down the heavily protected warrior apart from some incredible luck. But David isn’t relying on luck. He goes trusting his God
A prince for Israel
Unexpected by him but planned by God, Saul has met Samuel. Now, with careful privacy, Samuel prepares Saul to be a leader in Israel. He’ll be more than a judge but he’s not called as king by Samuel and, ideally,
Benjamin’s family
The citizens of Israel have insisted on having a king like other nations. But their feelings will mislead them. Their folly will centre on a family from the strong but stubborn tribe of Benjamin. A mighty man from the tribe,
This is the end?
Sabbath has passed, a new week begins and on it God blows life into the new creation. The women who go to honour Jesus’ corpse, find the tomb unlocked and a stranger present. They came to find a crucified man,
Mary, Mary and Salome
Jesus has died like no other man for in his final hours he has borne the full brunt of God’s curse in death and overcome it. Now he has breathed out his last breath and is gently removed, covered and
Private plan, public parade
Jesus arranges to ride up to Jerusalem. The crowd of Passover pilgrims and others on the road see this as a declaration that a new King David has arisen., meaning salvation from hated enemies. However, Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem will
You ask too much!
Though his disciples know Jesus is God’s anointed king, they do not understand the implications. God’s kingdom is built by God’s power, not human strength. So Jesus must die, trusting his father to raise him. The disciples, however, cannot see
You aren’t what you eat
Jesus’ kingdom is formed from the rebirth of Israel. But some cling to the wreckage of broken, ancient Israel and so rage against him. But these men are seriously misled by their own minds. They consider themselves careful law-keepers but
Following the teacher
On the island of Malta, Paul makes a big impression with the locals as the Lord Jesus heals many through him. He and the others are then able to find another ship and make their way up to Rome, via