1 Samuel 1:21-28
What stood out to you this week?
Chris opened his message with an appeal to “lay things on the altar. The Hebrew word for altar translates as “a place for slaughter”. However, an altar is also a place where sacrifice is offered, even if it does not involve slaughter.
- Are there things in our lives that need to be slaughtered, i.e., crushed, beaten, made powerless once and forever?
- Are there sacrifices that could, or perhaps, should be made?
- Is there any benefit to doing this publically at the altar of the church?
- What would keep you from doing so?
Our pastor described Hannah’s conception and the birth of Samuel as a miracle, not of the spectacular kind like the parting of the waters for the Children of Israel to escape the Egyptian Army or the calling forth of Lazarus from the grave, but one where God made things work the way they were intended to work.
- Do you believe God can still make things work the way they are supposed to – in your life, your marriage, your family, your career, your health, your finances, etc.?
- If not, why not?
In verse1:28 Hannah presents her child Samuel to the Lord (YHWH in the Hebrew). The NASB rendering of this verse is: So I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives he is dedicated to the Lord.’ And he worshiped the Lord there. Chris noted the “he” at the end of this verse is likely young Samuel. Hannah’s husband Elkanah is also present.
- What might this imply about Hannah’s and Elkanah’s preparation of the child to understand devotion to the Lord.
- How are you preparing the next generation of worshipers?
- What are you modeling?Whom are you mentoring? Who’s noticing?
Hannah’s prayer in verses 2:1-10 is a song of thanksgiving. It reveals more about her understanding of the Lord’s character, His watch care, and the situation of her times than it does about Hannah herself.
- What are some phrases you (your group) would include in a concisely focused prayer confessing the character, care, and His sovereign oversight?
- This week, try writing a song of thanksgiving to God.It doesn’t need to be perfect — just sincere.