David Brings God’s Ark to Jerusalem

David Brings God’s Ark to Jerusalem

To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here.

To view a .docx version of the guide, click here.

Introduction 

Last week we talked about the story of David vs. Goliath and how we can trust God during the challenging times in our lives to pull us through.  

  • Spend some time talking about how everyone has tried to look for ways to apply this to their lives since last week? 

After your time of connecting, begin your meeting with prayer.  

Connect  

  • Are you someone who follows instructions or do you figure it out as you go? Why do you think you do this?  
    • Share a time where either of these scenarios had a negative impact on you or those around you.  
  • How do you express gratitude to someone for something they’ve done? How do you think other receive this? 

Opening Thought 

Instructions can be difficult to pay attention to sometimes, even when they are clearly presented. We can fail tests or put together a shelf from Ikea incorrectly because we think we can do things on our own and we don’t need to listen to others. This can also translate to our relationship with God and how we worship him. We may think we are worshipping God correctly, but then realize God calls us to do things differently than we originally thought.  

This leads us to our main idea for this week:  

Main idea
We should worship God correctly by
listening to his instruction 

The Story so Far 

Since David and Goliath’s battle, David’s popularity with the people of Israel grew, making their king, Saul, jealous enough to order him killed. As a result, David and his followers went into hiding for many years until Saul and his sons ended up dying during a battle. David then fought two wars, one against Saul’s followers and one against the Philistines, both of which he won, making him king of Israel.  

Here’s where we are this week 

As one of David’s first acts as king of the people of Israel, he wants to bring the Ark of the Covenant to the newly established capital city of his kingdom, Jerusalem. The Ark was a box holding the tablets God wrote laws for his people on and the Israelites carried this box with them while they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before entering Canaan, the land God promised to bring his people into (modern-day Israel). This box was also the place that God’s presence would descend upon to be with his people and speak with his prophets and priests, meaning the Ark of the Covenant was the physical place where God would come down to earth upon at that time.  

Unpack 

*Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses: 

Read  

2 Samuel 6:1-11  

Exodus 25:10-16 

Number 4:15 

Unpack  

The verses we just read from Exodus and Numbers shows that God gives the Israelites instructions on how to respect the Ark of the Covenant, one of which was to carry the Ark with poles set into the side of the ark.  

  • Compare God’s instructions to how the Israelites treated the Ark in 2 Samuel 6:3, what was different? 
    • Why do you think God gave such specific instructions for how to carry the Ark? What do you think this shows about how important God’s word is? 
  • Why do you think David cared about moving God’s Ark to Jerusalem?  
    • Why were the Israelites all celebrating so extravagantly?  
      • What do you think this section can teach us about how we should respect God’s instruction? What level of importance do you place on God’s instructions (aka his word)? 

Read  

1 Chronicles 15:11-16 

2 Samuel 6:13-23 

Unpack 

  • It was important that they carried the ark instead of putting it on a cart. What can this teach us about God’s desire for our worship? 
  • 2 Samuel 6:14 says that David wore a linen ephod, which was a simple priestly garment, instead of his royal attire when he was “dancing with all his might” as the ark was brought into Jerusalem.  
    • Why do you think this was included in the story? 
      • Why did it matter that David was wearing an ephod instead of his royal garments? Why was Michal disgusted and had contempt for David’s worship? 
  • What is usually most important to you when you worship God? What does this story teach us about what should be most important? 

Apply 

Based on the verses we just read, there are some things that we can do in response. Take a moment to discuss these questions as a group to decide what your personal action steps for the week can be: 

  • What is one way God is calling you to listen to his instruction in your life this week? 
  • How will you choose to worship God more openly in front of others this week? 
  • How will we as a group be bolder to worship and listen to God in our immediate community? 

Closing 

Read first then move to the Prayer and Verses section: 

Just like David and the Israelites learned, the best way we can worship God is to follow the steps given to us by him. Even though it might not seem like it matters, the instructions God has given to his people are important to follow because they were made with intention from the wise and loving God of all creation. This should lead us to live in the freedom that we no longer need to figure out how to live because Jesus has given us a way to live, by following his teachings.  

**Join us next week while we go through the story of David** 

not being allowed to build the temple.  

Prayer and Verses 

Ask for prayer requests and conclude your time with prayer then share the Key Verse for the Week and Daily Devotional Verses with the group. 

Thematic Reflection Verse: 

Romans 12:1 

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.” 

**When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. 

Daily Devotional Verses  

Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. 

Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. 
Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? 
Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel, based on what you have read? 
Prayer: This is a chance to talk to God about what you have read and ask him for help in living out what you’ve learned. 

Day 1: John 4:23-24 

Day 2: Psalm 150:6 

Day 3: Hebrews 13:15 

Day 4: Hebrews 12:28 

Day 5: Habakkuk 3:17-18 

Day 6: 1 Chronicles 29:11 

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PAUL & HOLLY ZWIERZYNSKI

  • Translating the Bible Support
  • North Carolina

Paul and Holly Zwierzynski serve at the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, North Carolina, where they support Bible translation efforts around the world. Paul specializes in solar power and computer networking. He helps missionaries use low-power computers in remote areas and sets up reliable internet connections using tools like satellite and radio links. His work has supported over 180 field sites, allowing translation teams to collaborate across long distances. Holly works in the translation office as a project assistant. She helps develop Old Testament translation guides and reference materials used by Bible translators worldwide. Before moving to North Carolina, Paul and Holly served in Cameroon, where their passion for this work first began.

JERRY & BETH TUCKER

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Southern California

Jerry and Beth help prepare new missionaries for the field by leading orientation, providing training, building teams, and offering mentorship during the first year of overseas service. They serve with Wycliffe, a Bible translation organization, and bring years of experience to this important work. Their work began in 1995 in the Philippines, where they served as dorm parents and teachers. Both Jerry and Beth grew up at Journey of Faith, and the church has been supporting their ministry for 30 years. They remain committed to serving for many years to come.

TOM SHECK

  • Youth Development
  • South Bay

 Tom serves as the South Bay Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His goal is to see lives changed through the influence of athletes and coaches on middle school and high school campuses. FCA focuses on values like integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence. The ministry equips students and coaches to grow in their faith and lead others by starting small group gatherings on campus, known as “Huddles.” These groups become places of encouragement, leadership, and spiritual growth within the school community.

CODY & LEXI SCRIVENS

  • Meeting Community and Church Needs
  • Dublin, Ireland

 Cody and Lexie are serving in Ireland, partnering with a local church to build relationships and share the message of Jesus. Their work takes place in a culture shaped by both deep religious tradition and growing secularism. Navigating this tension is challenging, especially in light of Ireland’s complex religious history, but they remain committed to reaching people who often feel distant from faith.

BRYAN & JACINDA MARTIN

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Philippines

 The Martin family is planting churches in the Philippines through World Team. One of the key ways they serve is by caring for creation. They work with vulnerable communities that are struggling as natural resources become scarce. By teaching sustainable practices for managing the environment, they help meet practical needs while also creating space to share about God’s design for humanity and introduce people to the Creator.

BARBARA LEE

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • San Diego, CA

Barbara supports missionary families by helping their children access quality education and navigate the many transitions that come with cross-cultural life. She currently leads the Indonesia MK (Missionary Kid) Care and Education Team, providing guidance, resources, and support for families across the region. In late 2025, she will join the U.S.-based MK Care and Education Team, where she will train new missionaries, equip education consultants, offer academic testing, and provide personalized educational help for families preparing to serve.

K & L

  • Starting New Churches
  • Southeast Asia

L and K are working to start churches among ten large, unreached, and unengaged people groups in Southeast Asia. They also lead a growing team that has expanded from 11 to 22 units since the pandemic, increasing their reach and impact in the region.

TIM & ERICKA HARRIS

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Oregon

 Tim and Ericka Harris understand the preparation, training, and lifelong commitment it takes to serve in missions. Their work has included cross-cultural ministry throughout Latin America, including eight years living and serving in Costa Rica with their family. Out of a desire to support those serving in demanding ministry roles, they provide pastoral care to missionaries, pastors, and ministry leaders around the world. Through their R.E.S.T. initiative—Retreat, Encouragement, Safety, and Transformation—they offer spaces for leaders on every major continent to step away, recharge, and return to their work with renewed strength and clarity.

MARK & BRENDA HALL

  • Starting New Churches
  • Guadalajara, Mexico

Mark and Brenda Hall moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2018, where Mark now serves as a teaching pastor at English Fellowship. The church brings together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and denominations, serving both international residents and Mexican nationals living in the city for work. Although their focus is now in Mexico, they remain connected to their previous work in Guatemala, where they spent 18 years investing in the lives of young people. Their move to Guadalajara opens new doors to build relationships, support the local community, and share the message of Jesus in meaningful and relevant ways.

RICH FRAZER

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Nepal and North India

The Fraziers serve with an organization called SOS, which stands for Spiritual Overseers Service International. Rick serves as the president and helps lead the organization’s three core objectives. The first is evangelism, which focuses on spreading the message of Jesus. The second is discipleship, aimed at strengthening the global Church. And the third is compassion, which means meeting the physical and spiritual needs of fellow believers. The Fraziers train Christian leaders and partner with Tabernacle Ministries in Nepal and North India. Through this work, SOS is mentoring more than 100 leaders who are reaching urban migrants with God’s love.

MARK & LISA DENEUI

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • France

 Mark is a Bible teacher focused on the New Testament who trains church leaders and church planters in French-speaking Europe. Lisa teaches English as a Foreign Language and French, using her skills to build relationships and serve the local community while sharing her faith. Together, Mark and Lisa serve with a network of church plants in the city of Strasbourg. They are committed to making Christ’s love known by partnering with the local French church to love their neighbors, share the gospel, and disciple new believers.

D & J

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Southeast Asia

D and J are building relationships with an unreached people group in Southeast Asia. Their hope is to see a new community of believers grow through intentional disciple-making and personal connection.

JOSEPH BRADFORD IV

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Los Angeles, CA

Joseph launched his nonprofit, B.A.R.E. Truth, Inc., in 2018 to serve individuals and families in Los Angeles facing homelessness, food insecurity, and other critical needs. Through mentorship, independent living support, housing assistance, and wellness services, Joseph and his team help people move toward healthier, purpose-filled lives. They also host weekly feeding events on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. B.A.R.E. stands for Balance, Ambition, Respect, and Encouragement.

BILL ANKERBERG

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Estonia

Bill leads a missions movement in the Nordic-Baltic region, focusing especially on Estonia, where fewer than 2% of people identify as Christian. His work includes supporting church planters, developing local leaders, strengthening compassion ministries, and mentoring pastors and missionaries across both the Baltics and Scandinavia. This ministry began in 2008 and continues to grow in reach and impact.

PAT & BETH ANDREWS

  • Bible Translation
  • Arlington, TX

 Pat serves with Seed Company, a subsidiary of Wycliffe Bible Translators, as Director of Field Projects for the Pacific Region and as a Translation Consultant. He helps oversee translation work in more than 60 languages, coordinating efforts across 11 organizations and 28 internships. Many of Pat’s teams are based in remote island communities, which often presents communication and travel challenges. Even so, Pat makes it a priority to visit his project teams and interns each year.

DENNIS & DENISE AHERN

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Washington State

Since 1992, the Aherns have provided counseling and care to missionaries in more than forty countries. They have a deep understanding of the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities that come with full-time ministry. Their commitment to supporting ministry workers led them to open a retreat center in Washington state called Selah Glen, where they host and lead pastoral care retreats. Through this work, the Aherns are able to care for those who spend their lives caring for others.

MIGUEL & MARIA ADAME

  • Church Planting
  • Baja Mexico

Pastor Miguel leads a growing church in Mexicali, Mexico, where he and his family have been serving the community since 2013. Their church runs weekly Bible studies, monthly outreach events, and provides a steady, welcoming presence in the neighborhood. In 2024, they opened a free private Christian elementary school that supports students with special needs or who are considered at-risk. Journey of Faith has partnered with this ministry through more than a dozen short-term mission trips.

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