Here we are, in the middle of another week. Good morning, I hope everything is going well so far.
Today we will begin the ninth book of the Bible, 1 Samuel, reading the first three chapters.
Family trees
I didn’t get very far before having my first epiphany. In the first verse, the writer or writers tell us of Elkanah’s family tree. The writer(s) introduce us to his father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather.
This genealogy was very important to the writers of the Bible. It made me think of my lineage.
I could say I am Thomas, son of John, son of Kenny. Beyond that, I do not know. There are plenty of services which would provide me a longer, more detailed view of my family tree. The problem is, that is not a fruit tree, it is a nut tree.
One sinner, followed by another, and more beyond that. I was a nut that fell off that tree.
When I did, I became rooted in the Gospel and became Thom, son of Jesus, son of God. He adopted me into His family. I trust many of you are my brothers and sisters.
We do not have to be limited by our heritage. God offers us the option of being heirs to the King of Kings.
Earthly treasure
Then we see how Elkanah gave Hannah a double portion because of his love for her.
When we love someone, we like to give them more. However, when we have more of the world, we may have less of God. It’s better to suffer in this life and receive a reward from the Lord.
It is not a matter of one or the other. The Lord wants us, His children, to have an abundant life. (see John 10:10)
He also loves us with an everlasting love that transcends the impossible, so He gives Hannah the child, Samuel.
She is faithful in her promise to dedicate him to the Lord. When she does, He gives her other sons and daughters. We can never out-give God. Anything we offer to Him, He will replenish in a way only God can.
Please don’t mistake this with the prosperity gospel. Giving without a pure heart will cause nothing.
It is only through heartfelt allegiance to the Lord that He will bless us. This takes faith.
Perceptions
The world will watch us giving our resources, including that most limited one, our time, and think we are delusional. Like Eli watching Hannah pray, they will think we’re drunk, or perhaps even crazy.
It does not matter what the world thinks. Relying upon them is a sad form of idolatry. The world can not give us anything.
God, who made the heavens and earth, can give us everything He wants us to have. He will meet all our needs. (see Phil 4:19).
We must ask
Still, in the first chapter, verse 20 says, “She named him Samuel, saying, ‘Because I asked the Lord for him’.” (NIV)
James 4:2 tells us, “You do not have because you do not ask God.” (NIV)
I know this is true. It’s in the Bible. Beyond that, I have seen it happen. God is faithful.
We are not. At least not always.
Here I am
We mean to be, but we don’t always follow through. It means sacrifice and making tough choices. Because we would need to forfeit the world, we don’t always answer, “Here I am.”
Saying those three words is scary.
When God first called me to preach, I was sure it was a mistake. How could a Holy God use a sinner like me? An enemy who had spent so many years fighting against Him?
He can, because “there is no one holy like the Lord…there is no Rock like our God.” (1 Sam 2:2, NIV)
Verse 2:4 proclaims that strength arms those who stumble.
I was not prepared, nor equipped. He didn’t need me to be. All He needed was me to be available.
Humility and response
Humility was not even necessary, as He was the one who humbled me. (1 Sam 2:7) I had no strength, but it was “not by strength that one prevails.” (2:9)
Our own power is useless. We are all sinners (Rom 3:23). There is nothing we can do to remove that stain.
But Jesus, through the cross, removed it for us.
Verse 2:25 tells us that “God may mediate for the offender.” (NIV).
Eli’s sons would not repent. They would lose their position, and the Lord would hand that stature over to Samuel.
Even though he did not know the Lord, God called to him.
I will never understand why God has called me to write this devotional or the books I do. We may not even know what is causing you to read these words I wrote.
When we do these things, all we can ask is, are we hearing the voice of the Lord? If we are, how are we going to answer?
I pray your answer, like mine, is, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (3:10). When you hear God calling you, please respond, “Here I am.”
