Growing

O. T. #576  "Growing"
August 12, 2015
1 Samuel 2-Part 2


LET IT GLOW

The first ten verses of this chapter gives us the praise song, prayer, which Hannah said in the tabernacle when her family went to worship the Lord God. Through her supplication and surrender to God, Hannah became a godly mother. She vowed to give her son to the Lord's service if God would bless her with one. Samuel was born and around his age three, she left her only son at the tabernacle as she promised. (Hannah was later blessed with 3 sons and 2 daughters.)

What do we learn about the boy Samuel?

• He ministered before the Lord. (verse 18)
• He wore a linen ephod. (verse 18)
• He would receive a new little robe from his mother Hannah each year as they made their annual sacrifice at the tabernacle.

The ephod was a symbolic vest patterned by that which was worn by the high priest, but made of white cloth. His little coat or robe brought by his mother resembled what was worn by the high priest  during his service in the tabernacle.
So I was thinking, that as the child grew throughout the years, he would need a larger robe to wear. Don't you think she was happy to make such a garment for her son, maybe singing praises to the Lord, as she expressed a mother's love by such a gift?
I don't sense any remorse or regret of Hannah throughout the years that she gave up her son for the Lord's service and purpose.

When we give gifts to the Lord, what is our attitude? Are we cheerful givers?

 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.


LET IT GROW

We learn in verse 21, we read that the child Samuel grew before the LORD.
Then in verse 26, the child Samuel grew on and was in favor both with the LORD, and also with men.

Liberty Bible Commentary explains:

Luke plays upon many of the parallels in the birth narratives of Samuel and Jesus. (chapter 1) The very word Christ is the Greek or New Testament equivalent to this Hebrew word which is transliterated into English as Messiah. This line is considered typical of Christ, the ultimate Priest, according to the quotation in Luke 2:52.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52

Friend, are we growing in wisdom, in favor with God, and in favor with others? Are we striving to please God in all we say and do? Are we studying His Word so we can grow in wisdom? I think this is today's challenge for us.

LET IT GO

Grow in faith in God.

Stay in His Word.

Grow in favor with God by pleasing Him.

Grow in favor with others.