Blessing
| But Samuel was ministering before the LORD--a boy wearing a linen ephod. 19 Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. 20 Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, "May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the LORD." Then they would go home. 21 And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD. (1Samuel2:19-21) |
He's growing up in a life of ministry and service.
His family are devout and supportive of him.
His mom, who was barren, now has another three sons and two daughters.
And Samuel is growing up in the Lord's presence.
All of this is blessing that flows from God's love and providence. Hannah struggles with being barren, but she clings to her belief that God is good. Elkanah struggles with his wife's heartache, but in his steadfast devotion to God and, in the tender love and support he shows to Hannah, he reveals the Father-heart of God. Israel is without a spiritual leader and Eli, who is this strange mixture of cynicism and faith, instinctively responds to God's initiative to give Israel a spiritual leader who hears God's voice.
God's love and providence are portrayed beautifully in this story: Love for a family that bore the sadness of barrenness and providence for a nation who needed to hear God's voice.
Imagine the picture: A joyful and growing family making the annual pilgrimage to worship and to see the miracle child who is growing in God's service. Imagine a proud mom presenting the next little robe to her special son. Look at the son, beautifully content in the presence of the Lord and realising God is at work. Imagine the laughter and love of the family together, the sadness of parting and yet the deep contentment of knowing that God is at work.
Struggle, heartache, calling out to God, sacrifice, dedication, miracles, family and calling.
Mix all of it together - It is a picture of blessing.
