When everyone wants to be somebody, who is willing to serve?

In this Sunday Study, Pastor David turns to Chayei Sarah, “The Life of Sarah,” and considers the distance between recognition and importance. Genesis 24 follows a servant whose personal name the chapter never reveals, yet whose prayer and faithfulness help shape the future of Abraham’s household. In 1 Kings, Adonijah announces, “I will be king,” and gathers the visible signs of authority while David remains unaware of what is happening.

Hidden within Abraham’s genealogy is Abida, whose name means “my father knows.” The class explores the names of Keturah’s descendants, discusses inheritance and human worth, and returns to the well associated with Hagar’s encounter with the God who sees. Set against the backdrop of election season, the lesson offers questions of character rather than a direction to vote for any candidate or party: Whose interests does a leader serve? Whose voices are invited into the room? What does it mean to know the people affected by our decisions?

The study closes with a question for the week ahead: Who will be better because I was faithful with what God entrusted to me?

Readings and references: Psalm 139:1–12 | 1 Kings 1:5–14 | Genesis 24:10–19 | Genesis 16:11–14 | Genesis 24:62 | Genesis 25:1–11

Themes: Faithful service, authority and responsibility, biblical names, inheritance and human worth, being seen and known by God

Follow along with the full lesson at zionempowered.com. Join us live on Sundays at 9:30 AM Alaska time for Sunday Study, and on Tuesdays at 8:00 PM Alaska time for Crossing the Read Sea Bible study.