April 9
1 Samuel 1:9-4:11
One classic TV show was the Beverly Hillbillies. Upon striking it rich, this uncultured family moves among the rich and famous where they do not fit. There is a stark contrast between how they live and the families all around them. Today's reading provides a similar contrast between two families. The family of Eli and the family of Hannah. Despite Eli being a priest over Israel, his family is marked by disobedience, selfishness, and power. In contrast, Hannah's family is marked by praise, humility, and obedience. Her prayer in chapter two expresses the heart of this family. Hannah rejoices in God as the one who brings good things into her life. She acknowledges that he alone is her ultimate delight, and therefore, she is willing to give her son to his work despite years of longing for a child. She then expresses God's incomparable character as he alone is holy and a firm foundation for her life.
This understanding of God is completely absent from Eli's sons as they deceive, steal from, and threaten the people who come to make sacrifices. Rather than the glory of God, they are only concerned with their own prosperity. This way of life leads to death and destruction; while God lifts up the family of Hannah/Samuel. So no matter the culture all around us, we are to seek to be a family marked by the joy, praise, and humility of God.
Father God, help me to be quick to praise you and acknowledge you as the source of all good things in my life. Amen.
Hannah's prayer expresses joy, a recognition of God's character, and humility in response to God. Which one of these three responses can you exhibit today?
One classic TV show was the Beverly Hillbillies. Upon striking it rich, this uncultured family moves among the rich and famous where they do not fit. There is a stark contrast between how they live and the families all around them. Today's reading provides a similar contrast between two families. The family of Eli and the family of Hannah. Despite Eli being a priest over Israel, his family is marked by disobedience, selfishness, and power. In contrast, Hannah's family is marked by praise, humility, and obedience. Her prayer in chapter two expresses the heart of this family. Hannah rejoices in God as the one who brings good things into her life. She acknowledges that he alone is her ultimate delight, and therefore, she is willing to give her son to his work despite years of longing for a child. She then expresses God's incomparable character as he alone is holy and a firm foundation for her life.
This understanding of God is completely absent from Eli's sons as they deceive, steal from, and threaten the people who come to make sacrifices. Rather than the glory of God, they are only concerned with their own prosperity. This way of life leads to death and destruction; while God lifts up the family of Hannah/Samuel. So no matter the culture all around us, we are to seek to be a family marked by the joy, praise, and humility of God.
Father God, help me to be quick to praise you and acknowledge you as the source of all good things in my life. Amen.
Hannah's prayer expresses joy, a recognition of God's character, and humility in response to God. Which one of these three responses can you exhibit today?
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