The Kirdford Chapel Podcast

The Life of David - Part 5, James Clarke

In this episode of our series on the life of David, we follow David into one of the darkest seasons of his life as he is driven from his home and relentlessly pursued by King Saul, despite having done nothing to deserve it. Rather than surrender to resentment, wallow in self-pity or become a quitter, David wrestles honestly with God in prayer. Looking at 1 Samuel 19 and the Psalms written during this time, this episode offers encouragement and advice for anyone facing injustice or hardship, showing how David's example teaches us to trust God, pour out our hearts to him, and wait with hope for his deliverance.

The Life of David - Part 4, James Clarke

The Power Triangle. In this fourth episode of our series on the life of David, we continue the story after David’s victory over Goliath and explore how those around him respond to his growing success and popularity. The passage focuses on the contrasting reactions of Jonathan and King Saul. While Jonathan, Saul’s son and heir to the throne, responds with humility, covenant friendship, and loyalty toward David, Saul becomes increasingly jealous, fearful, and hostile as he realises that the Lord is with David. The episode examines themes of friendship, power, jealousy, humility, and trust in God. We see Jonathan willingly step aside rather than compete with David, while Saul clings desperately to power and repeatedly tries to destroy him. Along the way, the sermon reflects on how people respond when others succeed, the dangers of selfish ambition, and the call to live humbly and at peace with others. Ultimately, the story points forward to Jesus Christ, the true King who did not grasp for power, but humbled himself and became a servant for the sake of others.

The Life of David - Part 3, James Clarke

In this third episode of our series on the life of David, we explore the famous story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17. Looking beyond the familiar tale, we discover how this dramatic battle is an example of “champion warfare,” where one representative fights on behalf of many. As Saul and the army of Israel shrink back in fear, David steps forward in faith, trusting not in human strength but in the power of God. The episode examines what this teaches about dependence on God, true leadership, and courage rooted in faith. Most importantly, it shows how David points forward to Jesus Christ, our greater Champion, who fought and won the ultimate victory over sin, death, and Satan on behalf of his people.

The Life of David - Part 2, James Clarke

In this episode, we continue the series on the life of David, focusing on 1 Samuel 16:1–13 and the moment God chooses David to be king. As Samuel is sent to Bethlehem to anoint a new ruler, the passage highlights how God rejects outward appearance and instead looks at the heart, choosing the youngest and least expected of Jesse’s sons. The episode explores what it means to be “a man after God’s own heart,” and contrasts human ways of judging leaders with God’s deeper perspective. It also draws out the theme of God lifting up the humble and points forward to Jesus as the ultimate King who perfectly embodies humility and obedience.

The Life of David - Part 1, James Clarke

In this opening episode of our series on David, we explore the early life of Israel’s future king and discover why God chose an unlikely shepherd boy from Bethlehem. Against the backdrop of Israel’s spiritual decline and the failure of King Saul, David stands out not because of outward strength or status, but because of his heart. We look at David’s faithfulness in the small things, his trust in God, and his understanding of the Lord as his true Shepherd. Ultimately, David’s story points us forward to Jesus, the perfect Shepherd-King who leads, protects, and lays down his life for his people.