Samuel
– A Lifetime
Serving God
·
The
change in Hannah was dramatic. She had been depressed, anguished to the point
of not eating. Her husband could have been more supportive emotionally. But she
left her encounter with Eli and her prayers with some measure of peace. (1:18)
·
Do
we keep in mind the promises of Matt. 11:28 when we go to prayer?
·
Elkanah
surely must have noticed the change in his wife. Hannah's vow must have become
his vow, for we see Elkanah still going to Shiloh annually to fulfill his
vow (v. 21). But it was Hannah's prayers that led to this blessing. Was it hard
for Elkanah to agree to give up this miracle child? The lack of a child by
Hannah didn't seem to cause him the same anguish it did Hannah.
·
How
often do we husbands need to catch up with our wives spiritually? Are we
leading the way in our homes? Are we praying for our mates and families, or do
we leave it to our wives?
·
It
was common in Israel for a child to be weaned around the age of 3. We're not
told what went on in the home during this time, but we can guess that Hannah
must have been an especially loving mother to her special son. Also, there is
no indication that there were the rivalries that plagued the households of
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
·
During
this time, Hannah did not accompany Elkanah to Shiloh. Elkanah's response is
"do what you think is best" (v. 23). Does he sound hesitant? Hannah's
relationship with God seems confident and based on trust. But Elkanah's faith
seems more external, with his polygamy, and not being a leader in the spiritual
matters of his family.
·
Again,
it's important that fathers be a leader in guiding the family in spiritual
concerns. We shouldn't let the wife shoulder the burden and float along with
whatever she decides.
·
Three
years later, Hannah fulfilled her vow. She brought Samuel to Shiloh to turn him
over to God. Though it must have been hard to do, her statement to Eli (v.
25-28) is one of great faith.
·
With
Abraham, God called him out of Ur, and gave him a miracle son in Isaac to
emphasize the unique nature of God's redemption, that it came from God alone.
Samuel will grow to be a leader at a time in Israel's history when they needed
to be reminded of God's ways. His special beginnings will serve to emphasize
his message.
#1) God wants us to make one
basic voluntary "vow" that will affect our total lifestyle, and that
is to offer our bodies to Christ as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1,2; Eph.
4:1)
#2) We should be motivated by
God's grace to keep our vow to the Lord, not by the laws of the OT.
#3) We must guard against the
temptation to take advantage of God's grace; salvation is not fire insurance!
Choose to live lives that reflect the fruit of the Spirit.
For
next week, read I Samuel 2:1-10
