Bible Pathway - Apr. 1, 2010
Highlights:
Wow!! We learn three powerful truths. 1. Hannah prays earnestly (perhaps wiser than most). 2. God rewards her vow to dedicate her son. Consequently, God mightily uses Samuel as the first prominent prophet after Moses and the last judge of Israel (I Sam. 3:19-21; 7:15). 3. God requires parents to discipline their children in love as He does us (2:12-17,23-25; 3:12-13).
Verses for Today:
Year by year . . . she (Hannah) went up to the House of the Lord . . . (where her adversary) provoked (ridiculed) her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. . . . And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of Hosts, if Thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of Thine handmaid . . . but wilt give unto Thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life (I Sam. 1:7,11).
Near the end of the period of the judges, we are introduced to Hannah, a godly woman who had lived many years in deep sorrow and humiliation because she could not have children.
While attending the annual Festival at the Tabernacle, it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli (the priest) marked (noticed) her mouth. Now Hannah . . . spake in her heart; only her lips moved . . . therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? (1:12-14).
Although Hannah was wrongfully accused, she respectfully answered Eli: No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord (1:15). Had she reacted in anger toward Eli for misjudging her, she would have gone away with only a bitter attitude. Instead of being angry, she entreated Eli, telling him that her desire was to have a son to dedicate to the Lord. Then Eli . . . said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition (1:17). God answered Hannah's prayer and Samuel became the greatest spiritual judge during that period, which lasted about . . . four hundred and fifty years (Acts 13:20).
In the hectic pace of twenty-first-century America, countless thousands of words fill our minds every day from printed and broadcast media. But there is a serious neglect of reading the Bible — the only written Word from God to mankind.
Just remember that when our first desire is to allow God to use our lives to fulfill His will, He will provide the necessities of life. Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33). The one who is intent on living for physical satisfaction is never satisfied, for we were created to let Christ be Lord of our lives.
Thought for Today:
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Matt. 16:26).
Christ Portrayed:
By Samuel who grew in favor with God and men (I Sam. 2:26). Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man (Luke 2:52).
Word Studies:
1:6 sore =without mercy; 1:16 daughter of Belial =sinful woman; 2:1 horn =strength; is enlarged =rejoices greatly; 2:8 the pillars of the earth are the Lord's =God alone sustains and upholds the earth; 2:10 His King . . . His Anointed =Messiah, this is the first reference to Jesus' coming by the title Messiah; 2:13 in seething =being cooked; 2:15 sodden =soiled; 2:29 Wherefore kick ye =why do you rebel?; 2:31 cut off thine arm =break your strength; 3:18 every whit =everything.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for our Military worldwide • International Broadcasts for the month of March sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Justice Samuel Alito and Rep. Chris Lee (NY) • Country: Croatia (5 million) in southeastern Europe • Major language: Serbo-Croatian • Religious freedom • 73% Roman Catholic; 15% Serbian Orthodox; 5% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Prayer Suggestion: Pray that God will enable you to be a generous, cheerful giver to Him (II Cor. 9:6-7).
Optional Reading: Acts 2
NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:11
