1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. His mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year, when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, ‘May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord’; and then they would return to their home.
Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favour with the Lord and with the people. 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 (NRSV)
My brother was named Samuel, and there are many other Samuels in my family - great Grandpa Samuel, great Uncle Sam, cousin Sam, his son Sam, grandson Sam and of course my daughter Samantha (named after my brother). Knowing the biblical story of Samuel is to understand the meaning of his name – “God has heard.” So much fondness in my heart for one name, and it means “God has heard.”
Hannah, Samuel’s mother, had been unable to have children and on her annual trip to the temple to offer the family’s sacrifice, Hannah was overheard praying by the priest. She fervently prayed to God asking for a child and if so blessed, she agreed to allow this child to be brought up in the temple in service of the Lord. The priest Eli thought Hannah was drunk, but she assured him she was not. He told her to leave in peace – that the Lord had heard her request.
Hannah said, “For this child I prayed.” For this child I prayed. Hannah prayed for Samuel to be born. I can imagine praying for something or someone and the peace which follows when we know God has heard our prayer. However, I cannot imagine praying and then having to keep a bargain such as the one Hannah had to keep. For this child I prayed. And yet she brings back little Samuel to be raised in the tabernacle with the priest. The linen ephod Samuel wore suggests his piety at an early age, and as he grows, his mother continues to visit him and brings him a new “little robe” each year. She is also blessed with more children. Hannah was faithful to her promise.
Samuel too is faithful. By contrast, he grows up around Eli’s sons who are known for their lack of morality and wicked behavior. Samuel remains obedient and serves the Lord. He is good, faithful and grows up in favor of the Lord and the people.
Questions for Reflection:
- How can we be content knowing “God has heard?”
- How do we remain good and obedient to God’s ways when there are so many examples of lack of morals, integrity and honesty in today’s world?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for hearing us when we pray. Thank you for leaders like Samuel who demonstrated faithfulness and goodness. Like Samuel, we have gifts from you as well. We are grateful, Lord. Amen
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