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Bernard & Saul

Album: 42: No Way Out

Episode: 541

Lesson/Theme: Envy; Jealousy

Bible Verse: 1 Samuel 9-11, 14-18, 24; Proverbs 14:30

Characters: Bernard

Writer: Nathan Hoobler

Sound Designer:

Original Air Date: March 6, 2004

Last Air Date: February 24, 2010

Description:
Trent is at Whit’s End, moping. He’s also a little scared...who is that man under the next booth? Bernard Walton emerges and asks Trent about his troubles. Why did Ashley get elected Student Council President? He is a lot more qualified, Trent says...but Bernard knows of a man who lost a much bigger position. The Old Testament figure, Saul. It begins with Saul and his servant looking for a few lost donkeys. But the prophet Samuel has something else in mind when they approach him. He anoints Saul, a young man from the smallest tribe, king over all Israel! Saul has many victories as King, defeating many of Israel’s worst enemies. He becomes proud, even to the point of "fudging" on what God commands and mistreating his servants in anger. Music will calm him, he thinks, so he invites a shepherd boy to play his harp...David, the young man whom Samuel has just anointed king! The story of David and Goliath ensues (which Trent tells) and Saul realizes that the hero David will replace him. David must run and hide as an outlaw, with Saul always close behind him. One night, Saul’s search takes him into a cave...the very place David is hiding. Despite his men’s schemes, David refuses to "touch God’s anointed." Saul realizes his jealousy and the search is called off. Trent also sees that he has been jealous of Ashley, and he goes offer to offer his congratulations.

Questions:
Why does God often choose people from the "smallest tribe" to do His work? What did Samuel mean when he said, "Obedience is better than sacrifice?" Have you wanted the praise that a brother, sister, or friend got? How should we treat others who receive praise?