Throughout the Bible, we find some amazing accounts of God’s dealings with specially chosen people. On anyone’s list of such distinguished characters, Moses, David, and Elijah would stand out as some of the most extraordinary persons. Yet their lives were filled with ordinary struggles. Despite some of the most extraordinary experiences, they always had to return to ordinary life on the ground. Their lives, both in their triumphs and—most poignantly—in their struggles, teach us the importance of ordinary faith, and finding God in everyday life.

  1. Moses’s Post-Mountaintop Experiences [SEP]
    1. Crash and Burn: Exodus 32 – After a thrilling encounter with God, Moses comes down the mountain and completely loses it. We learn the importance not only of faith on the heights but also in the valleys. [9/7, Pastor Peter]
    2. Prayer in a Tent: Exodus 33 – Moses’ true life-changing encounter happens on the ground inside a tent. He learns in surprising fashion that the goodness of God is what he needs to carry on. [9/14, Pastor Peter]
    3. Solitude: Mark 1:35-39 – Jesus eschews the glory-mongering crowds and embraces life with God, submitted to him. [9/21, Pastor Peter]
    4. Radiance: Exodus 34 – God uses Moses, reaffirming his leadership even after some major blunders. The radiance on the face of Moses is really a reflection of God’s heart for his people. [9/28, Dae Jeong]
  2. David’s Lame Duck Years [OCT]
    1. Rebellion: 2 Samuel 15 – The glorious King David, resoundingly successful abroad, has a problem at home that even he can’t control. He must face the sad music of his own tragic limitations as a father who can’t rein in his son. [10/5, Pastor Peter]
    2. Mourning: 2 Samuel 18 – King David, despite his best efforts, is helpless to save his son. Yahweh, who in his sovereignty gives us his son, is able to save. [10/12, Pastor Peter]
    3. Ministry: Mark 6:30-44 – When we feel like we can’t go on, Jesus offers rest and provides ministry opportunities. [10/19, Pastor Peter]
    4. Weakness: 1 Kings 1 – David’s demise gives perspective to those who hold the highest ambitions in life. The mighty and the weak share the same fate in the end. It is God alone who is strong. 
[10/26, Dae Jeong]
  3. Elijah’s Disappointment with God [NOV]
    1. The Land of Barrenness: 1 Kings 17 – After being called by God, Elijah gets sent to the wilderness where not much happens. In the place of barrenness, he finds the true source of life. [11/2, Pastor Peter]
    2. The Mountain of God: 1 Kings 19 – After following hard after God, Elijah goes to the mountain of God to register his complaint with God. There he hears God in a way he’s never heard before. [11/9, Pastor Peter]
    3. Endurance: Mark 9:2-32 – Even Jesus grew tired of the hardness of people’s hearts. Still he endured in love for people. [11/16, Pastor Peter]
    4. The Call: 2 Kings 1-2 – After many years, Elijah keeps going where God calls him, and finds that God has one more surprise call up his sleeve yet. [11/23, Dae Jeong]

We’ll be taking an in-depth look at the passages and themes listed above each week in our Sunday worship services (2 pm) and in our small groups (meeting throughout the week). We hope you will join us for one or both!