June 24, 2021 | 1 Samuel 1

Read 1 Samuel 1

Scripture- 1 Samuel 1:24- After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh

Observation- Living around 1000bc and not having a child was difficult. There was shame because people looked at you as if you did something wrong to deserve that punishment. Hannah prayed to God and he answered her with a child. After weaning the boy, as young as he was, she dedicated him to the Lord. He would remain in the temple for service to God. 

Application- Hannah’s dedication to the Lord is astounding to me. I have a daughter who is 2.5 years old and I couldn’t imagine handing her over to the care of those in the temple. Maybe that reveals the idolatry that is hidden in my heart. That’s what this section has me thinking about today. What things would be hard for me to give up for the Lord? There I’d find my idol. Roughly 1000 years later, a Father would give up his Son. Though not to the temple, but to the cross. Through that Son’s service, I’m forgiven for my idolatry. What amazing love the Father has for us. 

Prayer- Father, your love is so amazing that you gave up your one and only Son for me. You withheld nothing on my behalf. Thank you for your unbelievable love. Let that love motivate me to withhold nothing back from you. Be number one in my heart today driving away all idols from my heart. Amen.