Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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From Tears to Triumph  

Bible Reading: : 1 Samuel 1 :9-20  

Key verse:  

1 Samuel 1:20  “ And in due time, Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called him Samuel , for she said ‘ I have asked for him from the Lord ‘ (New Living Translation) 

DEVOTION

Our Devotional today from 1 Book of Samuel Chapter 1 verses 9-20, focuses on very familiar passage about Hannah (mother of Prophet Samuel) and her husband Elkanah pilgrimage to Shiloh.  The pilgrimage to Shiloh involves sacrifices, feasts and worship at the Sanctuary where Eli and his sons officiate as priests.  As we read verse 9-20 in this chapter, the central theme in this chapter is the plight of Hannah. Hannah’s  distress is further exacerbated by Peninnah (Hannah husband Elkanah had two wives and Peninnah was the other wife) demeaning and humiliating verbal abuses. Peninnah’s behavior demonstrates the rivalry and extreme tension in Elkanah’s household since Hannah is without a child and subject to shame and ridicule.
Hannah response is notable and lesson for all of us as we go through ridicule and shame  and instead of responding with anger or backlashing at Peninnah , Hannah chooses to turn to God in prayer. Hannah in her moments of agony and full of raw emotions, turns her focus to God believing that there is God in Heaven who listens to the wailing and weeping of God’s children and will move with compassion. Hannah in her prayer to God takes on the vow which is significant as it pertains to the Nazirite commitment. Hannah showcases her deep willingness to dedicate the child that God may give her to serve in the temple for the rest of the child’s life. Hannah reveals her deep faith and sacrifice to honor God , if God blesses her with child and Hannah becomes a mother. 
Eli, the temple priest was observing Hannah for some time as Hannah poured her heart in anguish and prayer before the Lord. Eli, initially misinterprets Hannah’s silent prayer for drunkenness, reflecting on the lax spiritual condition of that time.  Hannah quickly resolves the misunderstanding and explains her situation and agony to Eli.  The high priest upon understanding of Hannah’s deplorable plight, blesses Hannah. Eli blessings to Hannah, offers glimmer of hope to Hannah’s woeful condition and entrusting Hannah to God who can divinely bless her and move with compassion to answer Hannah’s  prayers and petitions.  We read on that God intervenes in divine manner and remembers Hannah and blesses her with the birth of child, Hannah names the child ‘Samuel’ .   The birth of Samuel is testament God’s responsiveness to heart that openly petitions God in agony and prayer. The name Samuel means ‘heard of God’ reflecting Hannah ‘s acknowledgement that God answers prayers.  The birth as we see is not just personal victory for Hannah but holds significance as Prophet Samuel becomes a monumental figure in Israels history. Hannah true to her word to God, dedicates Samuel to the Lord underscoring Hannah’s integrity and devotion to God. 
As we reflect on today’s devotion, let us consider the power of prayer in our lives.  Who do we turn to,  in our moment of ridicule and agony, Where do we go,  when we are agonized and hurt in our moment of sorrow .  Let us like Hannah understand the significance of dedicating our blessings to the service of God, being assured that God hears and responds in the most divine manner to the  heart cry of  God’s faithful children .  Are we ready to receive , blessing of answered prayers in our lives and are we ready in turn,  to dedicate those blessings in serving God. This will be our tears to triumph testimony.   
 

PRAYER

Almighty and Gracious Lord, we know that God is full of compassion and will in  the most dramatic manner ,  hear the anguish and cries of His children when we turn to God in prayer . Let us learn from the life of Hannah and when  God’s answers prayers , let us  dedicate our blessings to the services of an Almighty God , this we pray in Jesus Precious Name – AMEN.

Thought for the DAY

There is divine protocol to answered prayers . Compassion draws God’s attention to you , but its God’s Word that births the manifestation. ( Joshua S Nimmak 1980- )


Abraham Kurien, Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston, Texas.

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