March 26th - A Pair of Parental Profiles

A Pair of Parental Profiles

(1 Samuel 1 - 2)

Hannah Presents Samuel at the Temple for Service

From The Illustrated King James Bible

Does a parent’s devotion to God guarantee that his or her children will also commit themselves to Him fully? If parents are faithful to the Lord, demonstrating devout belief, irrefutable moral conduct and a lifetime of service to God, will their children automatically grow up to do the same?

Today’s Bible reading offers two very different testimonies, both involving faithful parents with high standards of faith, authenticity and devotion to the Lord. Their children, however, turned out very differently.

A Parent’s Plea and Promise

Hannah, wife of Elkanah (of Ephraim), was barren. She pleaded with the Lord for a pregnancy. Although her husband declared and demonstrated his love for Hannah, she mourned the fact that her womb was closed.

Her husband had two wives. Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife, enjoyed several children and taunted Hannah mercilessly for it.

Any woman who has ever struggled with infertility has experienced the pain Hannah felt. Imagine her sorrow, living in a household filled with babies and growing children and desperately wanting her own. In all likelihood, Hannah even helped to care for her rival’s offspring.

Faithfully, Hannah took her sorrow to the Lord. At the temple at Shiloh, she poured her heart out to the Lord (see 1 Samuel 1:12-16). Her earnest petition was so intense that the priest, Eli, rebuked her for apparent drunkenness. (Pentecostals may find Hannah’s prayer pose somewhat prophetic, as she prayed passed her own understanding.)

Hannah prayed an oath before the Lord. She promised, if the Lord would grant her a son, that he would be bound by the Nazirite vow, even before his birth. Surely, Hannah would dedicate such a son to the Lord’s service.

Eli, the priest, blessed Hannah and affirmed that the Lord would answer her prayer. And He did.

Hannah proved faithful. She named her promised son Samuel and offered him to the Lord’s work at the temple at Shiloh. Each year, she stitched sacred garments for the boy and delivered them to him when she and her family journeyed to Shiloh for the annual temple sacrifices.

Hannah's Mother Brought Him New Clothes Each Year at the Temple

From Standard Bible Story Readers

By Lillie A. Faris

c1926

The Lord honored Hannah for her faithfulness, granting her additional children (see 1 Samuel 2:18-21). And Samuel grew up in the faith, serving the Lord with devotion and complete commitment.

“Now the boy Samuel

was growing in stature and in favor

both with the Lord and with men.”

(1 Samuel 2:26, NASB)

What more could a parent ask, than that his or her child would follow the path the Lord had chosen? The Bible’s brief description of Samuel’s development foreshadows the childhood of One to come. Consider the Scriptural shorthand account of the Lord’s own earthly youth:

“And Jesus

kept increasing in wisdom and stature,

and in favor with God and men.”

(Luke 2:52, NASB)

During the same timeframe, another faithful parent struggled greatly with his own offspring.

A Priest’s Own Prodigals

Eli’s own sons were creating havoc at Shiloh, even while they served at the temple. Hophni and Phineas robbed from the Lord by taking sacrificial meats before the Lord’s own portion had been consumed in the altar fire. (see 1 Samuel 2:12-17). The two young men committed sexual sins with the women serving at the temple (see 1 Samuel 2:22).

Eli’s Sinful Sons

From Figures de la Bible

1728

Eli confronted his sons directly, rebuking them:

"’Why are you doing these awful things?’

[Eli] asked them.

‘I've been hearing nothing but complaints about you

from all of the Lord's people.

If you harm another person,

God can help make things right between the two of you.

But if you commit a crime against the Lord,

no one can help you!’”

(1 Samuel 2:24-25a, CEV)

Hophni and Phineas refused to heed their father’s words and repent.

The Lord sent a prophet to Eli, declaring His judgment upon his household. Surely, Hophni and Phineas would die, even on the same day. And the family legacy of faith would be cut off.

What did Eli do wrong, as a parent? How many teachings have we heard or read that point blame directly at Eli for his sons’ transgressions? Why do we hear nothing about the boys’ mother? Are these parents responsible for the paths their errant sons chose?

How tempted we may be to berate Eli for apparent parental shortcomings or misdeeds. Did the priest spend too much time at the temple, in the Lord’s own service, to the neglect of his family? His sons actually served at the temple with him, so Eli clearly spent plenty of so-called quality time with the lads. Certainly, the boys received sufficient teaching on the things of the Lord. They surely witnessed the work of God, while working daily among His people.

Surely, parents carry considerable responsibility for guiding and influencing future generations. Of course, the Lord instructs us to join Him in building a legacy of faith in our families. At the same time, is it possible for faithful parents to produce faithless offspring, even if those parents serve the Lord wholeheartedly and consistently?

Will we bear the blame ourselves, or attempt to build a burden of blame upon others, for children or young adults who refuse to follow their parents’ leading into a legacy of faith?

Perhaps our focus ought to include more mercy and greater grace, driving us to pray for prodigals. Is it possible that the Lord has not finished His work in our families?

May His loving-kindness extend even to many more generations among those we love.

Will you pray with me?

Heavenly Father,

Only You are the perfect parent.

How we long for those we love

To love You,

To honor You

And to live under

Your hand of blessing.

Guide us

To live out

The legacy You desire

For our families.

Teach us to trust You

For the eternal outcome.

Our lives

And the lives of those we love

Are in Your loving hands.

Amen.

February 15th - Hearing from History

Hearing from History

(Deuteronomy 1 - 4)

Moses Sees the Promised Land

Artist Unknown

Today’s Bible reading opens the book of Deuteronomy, with Moses’ final instructions to the Israelites. Knowing he will soon pass on to join his ancestors, the patriarch reviewed God done to deliver and guide His people and reminded them of the importance of obeying the Lord.

As Moses encapsulated 40 years of Hebrew history into four chapters of Scripture, he included several key statements that have leapt off the pages for millennia.

“The Lord our God said to us at Horeb,

‘You have stayed long enough at this mountain.

Break camp and advance.’”

(Deuteronomy 1:6-7a, NIV)

Like the ancient Israelites, God intends for us to walk with Him on a journey, as He leads. How often do we try to settle into a comfortable place, forestalling battles and challenges we may face? At what price? Into what Promised Land might the Lord hope to lead us?

Perhaps we do not realize just how close that Promised Land may be, if we would only break camp and move along.

“See, the Lord your God has given you the land.

Go up and take possession of it as the Lord,

the God of your fathers, told you.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

(Deuteronomy 1:19, NIV)

Moses instructed and incited the people of God to go and claim the land, for the Lord had already conquered it in His promise. This truth echoes an earlier statement (see Deuteronomy 1:8). Although the Israelites would face armed conflict and battles of many kinds, the Lord guaranteed the victory. The triumph of God was assured in the spiritual realm.

May we seek the Lord’s wisdom, that we might catch sight of this truth. As we face challenges, struggles and even warfare on many levels, may we be emboldened to know that our great God has already won the war. We need only stand the ground He already possesses.

“And now, Israel, listen carefully

to these decrees and regulations

that I am about to teach you.

Obey them so that you may live,

so you may enter and occupy the land

that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you.”

(Deuteronomy 4:1, NLT)

What is the secret to success, as God leads us into the Promised Land? How may we claim the promises He has given? The secret lies in Deuteronomy 4:1, I believe.

“Pay attention:

I'm teaching you the rules and regulations

that God commanded me,

so that you may live by them

in the land you are entering to take up ownership.

Keep them. Practice them.

You'll become wise and understanding.

When people hear and see what's going on, they'll say,

‘What a great nation!

So wise, so understanding!

We've never seen anything like it.’”

(Deuteronomy 4:5-6, The Message)

Obedience to God brings His blessing. When the Lord’s people keep His statutes, we also benefit from many wonderful promises. And what does the world think of us? How might the people of God impact others by simply remaining faithful to the God who is ever faithful to us?

I wonder what would happen, if a single nation on earth were wholly devoted to God. What might the global ripple effects be?

In America, we print these words on our currency: “In God we trust.” What if this were truly the case, in every citizen’s heart? What if we trusted and obeyed the Lord? How might our nation and the entire world be changed?

What struck you today?

Perhaps other key verses and truths have impacted you in today’s reading. How has God spoken to you in His Word today?

Will you pray with me?

Ever-faithful God,

You are unchanging.

You are truth

And justice

And mercy

And grace

And love.

Give us courage

To claim the ground

You have already taken.

Grant us wisdom

To obey

The clear instructions You have given.

Teach us to be faithful,

Even as You are faithful.

Amen.

January 16th - Esau's Exit

Esau’s Exit

(Genesis 36)

Good going! We have completed half of our first month of readings.

Tribal Delineation Map

By Emanuel Bowen

1748

Today’s reading announces the parting of the ways of Israel (formerly Jacob) and Esau. From this time on, the two brothers and their offspring were at odds.

The rest of the chapter delineates the prolific family line of Esau, which became the Edomites. These people settled primarily in the area south of Israel (see historic tribal map – above).

Family Friction

Jacob and his family looked askance at Esau and his clan, primarily because Esau’s group intermarried with their pagan neighbors. The family line became diluted, as each household grew distracted by devotion to idols and false gods.

Throughout Hebrew history, the Edomites were perceived as an enemy and a threat to Israel.

Have you ever known a family with a seemingly unmendable rift? Family friction may be the most painful conflict of all.

Relatives often know one another more intricately and intimately than other people. We know how to help each other, but we also may carry a deeper understanding of how to cause harm.

As a parent, I often find myself struggling to redirect youngsters, as they engage in their own sibling rivalry.

“You are the best friends either of you is ever going to have,” I say.

“Yeah, right,” I often hear.

It’s true. Friends may disappear in time. Acquaintances may transfer and relocate. But families do not lose their connection. At least, we ought not to.

Although family members may grate on one another’s nerves occasionally, they may also prove to be the most valuable earthly allies, when truly needed.

Just watch brothers or sisters in action. They may nitpick and natter at one another. If an outsider threatens one of them, however, they will spring to attention to defend him or her. It’s in their blood, literally. (Yesterday’s reading demonstrated this instinct quite overtly.)

Seeking Sweet Solution

How might we find ways to mend broken relationships with relatives? Do we have any unfinished business, as modern psychologists tag unresolved conflicts, with members of our own clans?

Will we pass these differences on to our children, or will we seek reconciliation in our own lifetimes?

“How wonderful, how beautiful,

when brothers and sisters get along!

It's like costly anointing oil

flowing down head and beard,

Flowing down Aaron's beard,

flowing down the collar of his priestly robes.

It's like the dew on Mount Hermon

flowing down the slopes of Zion.

Yes, that's where God commands the blessing,

ordains eternal life.”

(Psalm 133:1-3, The Message)

Will you pray with me?

Righteous Lord,

You are the only Holy Judge,

Who tempers justice and mercy.

Your grace trumps our grievances,

And Your wisdom outweighs our worries.

Teach us to trust You with the outcome,

Particularly when we are

Attacked,

Assailed,

Falsely accused,

Insulted,

Or even ignored.

You miss nothing.

May we place the ends in Your holy hands.

For You hold the future.

We praise You.

Amen.