Hannah’s Worship

Read 1 Samuel 1-3
 
1 Samuel 1:2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.
 
SAMUEL, Saul and David are about to enter into Israel’s history. The books of Joshua and Judges tell us that with the exception of some God-centered leaders, Israel has rejected God as their King to desire an earthly king.  
    Samuel 1 is about God relenting to Israel’s desire to allow an earthly king. But our LORD had plans to help his people even in their disobedience. He is like that, gracious and loving to point his disobedient children to himself, even in our sin. He keeps speaking through our human desires to teach us his will. And we must listen.
    God spoke here, as he often does, through the “impossible”. He chose Hannah, even though the Lord had closed her womb. (1 Samuel 1:5b) Why has the Lord formed some women to be barren for many years before she becomes the mother of one who will do powerful work for God? Perhaps it is to remind us he is sovereign to act in his time and way, not ours. At this point, God’s purpose was for Israel to more faithfully worship God. The worship began with Hannah’s reverence. She realized her only hope for a son was to reverently, prayerfully approach God. “I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” (1 Samuel 1:15b-16) It seems God answered her prayer when Eli blesses her: “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” (1 Samuel 1:17)
    God had the attention of the barren Hannah. Hannah went before the throne of grace. She gave her distress and bitterness to God. With expectation, faith and hope, she dedicated her unknown, unborn son to God. Then she fulfilled her vows. That’s the worship God desires. Revere God with your words and with your life. Hannah gave birth to a God-centered son to center a nation on God’s sovereign care for them.
    Faith to faith, generation to generation God calls you moms and dads to dedicate your child to him. Then do so. No, you don’t leave your child at the church, but you must leave in your child the Word of God. You train them to know and worship God. You commit your own life to the LORD, so your life in the LORD God is a faithful model for your children. You trust them to God in your prayers of expectation, hope and love.
    Learn from Hannah’s dedicated life. Dedicate your life to God. Let your children see and know the LORD as they watch you.
 
Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find