October 1, 2013 A Return to Worship

Read 1 Samuel 1

A Return to Worship

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 people of Israel reject God’s leadership to instead desire an earthly king—they want to be like everyone else. How do you think that will work?

     Samuel, the first person of biblical fame we meet, comes from Hannah, a woman who is barren. What’s the deal with God? Why does he sometimes choose women who are barren to become the mothers of some of his most famous leaders?

     One reason is to clearly demonstrate he is the Lord of life. He turns dark to light, empty space to lush gardens and dust to mankind. He forms people and appoints them to his specific purpose. Out of Hannah’s empty womb he formed Samuel to reform Israel from a nation that rejected God to become a nation that would worship God.

     Samuel’s purpose begins with Hannah. She has no hope of a child until she worships God and dedicates her life and the child’s life to God.

     God uses Hannah’s barrenness to grab Hannah’s heart. Faithfully she prays for a son. Lovingly, she gives him to God. That’s what he wanted—a godly mother to produce a godly son to lead a nation into godliness.

     Faith to faith, generation to generation God calls moms and dads to trust him and to give their children to his purposes for them. Teach your children to know God’s ways then see how your child will make a difference in the world. Show your child true worship, and you will see what great purposes God has prepared for him or her.  

A Moment’s Thought: What is your child’s purpose?