Readings for today: 1 Samuel 1-3
Recently our church took a survey. One of the questions went something like this, “Are you willing to sacrifice everything for the Lord?” Not surprisingly, a smaller percentage of our congregation said, “Yes.” I had several people ask me about it later. Most of them took issue with the word “everything.” After all, “everything” could include their work, their home, their livelihood, their future, or their 401K. But those weren’t really the things that tripped people up. What really tripped people up was the idea that they might have to give up their children or their children’s future for the Lord. That’s the reason I heard over and over again as people answered “disagree” to that particular question and I get it. I really do. I have four kids myself. I love each of them fiercely. I want the best for them. I have worked hard to sacrifice so they can have all kinds of opportunities in life. The idea that I might have to give them up to the Lord is a foreign concept to me.
However, it wasn’t a foreign concept in Israel. The people of God loved their children as much or more than we do. They just understood God loved them more. They understood every child was a blessing from the Lord and therefore belonged to Him. Yes, we are entrusted with raising our children. Teaching our children. Protecting and providing for our children. But our children are from the Lord. They ultimately belong to Him which is why Hannah was able and willing to let go of Samuel. Her firstborn son. Her only child. With no guarantee she would get pregnant a second time. It’s an incredible act of faith. And the only reason she was able to find the courage to take this step is because of how much she trusted God. Listen to the words of her song again…
My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is lifted up by the Lord.
My mouth boasts over my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. There is no one holy like the Lord. There is no one besides you!
And there is no rock like our God. Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogant words come out of your mouth, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and actions are weighed by him.
The bows of the warriors are broken, but the feeble are clothed with strength.
Those who are full hire themselves out for food, but those who are starving hunger no more.
The woman who is childless gives birth to seven, but the woman with many sons pines away.
The Lord brings death and gives life; he sends some down to Sheol, and he raises others up.
The Lord brings poverty and gives wealth; he humbles and he exalts.
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the trash heap.
He seats them with noblemen and gives them a throne of honor.
For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; he has set the world on them.
He guards the steps of his faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness, for a person does not prevail by his own strength.
Those who oppose the Lord will be shattered; he will thunder in the heavens against them.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give power to his king; he will lift up the horn of his anointed. (1 Samuel 2:1-10 CSB)
Hannah believed every word of her prayer which is why she could relinquish her son to the Lord. She knew God had a plan for her son’s life though she could not have known the great man and prophet he would become. She simply knew he would serve the Lord and she knew the Lord lifts up the humble and poor and powerless. When you think about it, everything Hannah prays about comes true in Samuel’s life. He becomes the greatest and wisest judge in Israel’s history. He is a great leader and warrior. He presides over a period of stability and prosperity. He anoints Saul and David as kings. None of that would be possible except for his mother’s deep faith.
So let’s ask the question again…are you willing to sacrifice everything for the Lord? Imagine what He could do with whatever you decide to entrust into His hands? Your future? Your finances? Your work? Your home? Your family? God wants it all. Not to take it from you but to do with it what you could never do. This is His promise to all who would give their lives to Him.
Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 4-8