I Samuel 1:1-28; 2:18-21
The Mother Who Changed the Course of a Nation
Intro:
The prophet Samuel is one of the brightest lights in the Old Testament. He was the guiding force in Israel, surpassing the leadership of its kings. God used him in a mighty way for many years, keeping Israel closer to God, and therefore blessed in many ways.
It is significant that this book, which describes the early history of Israel, begins with the story of a mother who desperately wants a child.
I. Hannah was a loving mom
A. She demonstrated love for her enemy - I Sam. 1:6-8
She did not return evil for evil -
I Corinthians 13:5 - Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Obviously, she did not complain to her husband Elkanah - v. 8, and the criticism evidently did not take place in front of him, or he would have known why she was upset.
B. She demonstrated love for God - I Sam. 1:7, 11
1. She confided in Him that which she did not (or could not)confide in others. Need someone to talk to?
2. She trusted God as sovereign (in total control of all things), as illustrated in her song of thanksgiving in the next chapter (I Samuel 2)
3. She loved Him enough to give Him her only son to live in God’s house, for God’s purposes, all his life
II. Hannah was a faithful mom
A. She was faithful to God - I Sam. 1:7
She went up to the Temple every year for the annual sacrifice, probably on Rosh Hashanah (Day of Atonement)
B. She was faithful to her family - I Sam. 2:18-21
Ever want to run away from home?
I don’t mean as a little kid; I mean now!
Illustration: A preacher was talking about the things money can’t buy. “It can’t buy laughter and it can’t buy love”, he said. “What would you do if I offered you $1,000 not to love your mother and father?” Stunned silence ensued. Finally a small voice asked, “How much would you give me not to love my big sister?”
In spite of her difficulties with Penninah, her inability to communicate with her husband, and the absence of her son, she remained faithful to them all. She never clobbered Penninah, she didn’t fault Elkanah; she showed love to them, and every year she brought a new coat for little Samuel.
She probably thought of him a lot as she knitted those coats...
III. Hannah was a praying mom
A. She shared herself with her God - I Sam. 1:11-15
She poured out her heart to God, holding nothing back
B. She shared her only son with God - I Sam. 1:11, 22-28
She obviously loved her son, but she loved God more
Conclusion
What can we learn from Hannah?
1. Don’t give up when you pray
You may be praying for your son or daughter in a time of difficulty---don’t give up! You may be having difficulty with a wife or husband---don’t give up! You want God’s blessing for you and your family---don’t give up!
2. Seek God’s will for your life
Hannah loved God enough to give Him her only begotten son; cp. John 3:16 - God loved you enough that He gave His only begotten Son!
3. Give your kids to God
Give up trying to control them or watch every move they make---let God do that. He’s the perfect parent and certainly wants what’s best.
She knew that, and gave Him to God for all his life.
And remember...her son lived for God to prove his love;
His Son died for you to prove His love!
Trust God with your kids, and accept His for your very own!
Stand.....heads bowed
