The prophet Samuel was born to a broken family, just like all of us are. His mother Hannah, dealt with guilt and shame from being barren, but upon honest humble prayer she was remembered by the Lord who loves her.
Saul has disobeyed Samuel, the prophet and voice of the Lord, by making an unlawful sacrifice. In doing so he has lost the throne and come under a great consequence for his sin. The Lord doesn't allow for sin to go unpunished but thanks be to God who sent His Son, the True King, to be completely obedient to the Lord for us.
Saul is the first king of Israel, a handsome man that fits the external requirements of royalty, but falls short internally. As he fails to complete a task given to him by his father, Saul then meets Samuel who instructs him in what the Lord has said, that he would be king. Even though Saul won't be the king Israel needs, and even though the people are rebellious towards the True King, the mercy of the Lord is greater than their sin.
Things were going well for Israel in the younger days of Samuel, with Ebenezer being a symbol to the people of God of His steadfastness and strength. But as life goes, Samuel gets older, puts his unfaithful sons in positions of power, and soon the Israelites seek to be just like their neighboring nations; desiring an earthly king. The Lord grants their request, but it will come at a cost, because they have ultimately rejected the True King.
Hannah models for us how to pray in that she rejoices in her Lord. By rejoicing in the Lord's deliverance, in His holiness, as He carries us through our weaknesses, and as He preserves us by grace Hannah has prayed an honest and meaningful prayer of adoration and thanksgiving. This salvation that Christians have in Christ prompts us to be a prayerful people like Hannah.
Samuel is born to an imperfect family but they do prioritize something that's of utmost importance; worship. Hannah has communicated her vow to her husband, he has supported her and encourages her to allow the Lord to establish His word. This family's right choices impacts their next generation as we will see Samuel benefit from their lifestyle.
The prophet Samuel was born to a broken family, just like all of us are. His mother Hannah, dealt with guilt and shame from being barren, but upon honest humble prayer she was remembered by the Lord who loves her.
As Jesus does in all of His teaching, His desire is not just to treat the symptoms, but to get to the heart. And as a measure of grace, He comes and meets us in our blind spots, He meets us with a promised deliverance, and He meets us with a legacy of love.
A heart full of discontentment is the result of loving money. We not only forget about who we are but we forget about our Savior and the eternity which we now live in through His righteousness. Our identity must be that of Christ, to trust and rely on the Lord in all things as He provides for us. Being wise and discerning with money is good, but it doesn't address the root issue of a love of money, only Jesus can.
The rich young ruler doesn't have a money problem but rather a heart problem. Jesus already knows the situation before it arises and He warns the ruler of the dangers of prosperity and holding our desires and comforts so closely to money. Ultimately the Lord wants our heart and to steward our entire lives for His will and glory, not for ourselves.
Trust and faith in the Lord push back against anxiety and worry. Stewarding all aspects of our lives, Christians are called to lean on their Savior who cares deeply for them and will meet all of their needs.
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