GRACE BESTOWED UPON A MOTHER

HANNAH

GRACE

FULL OF GRACE

 

 

On this mothers day and the week to follow let us examine one of the mothers that scripture presents to us as a role model.

In the book of 1 Samuel ch 1 we are introduced to two women all married to the same husband.

One is named Peninnah whose name means pearl. Beautiful well rounded but hard and unyielding in shape and in heart.

One is named Hannah which interpreted is grace, forward and backward, as according to the spelling.

Grace going forward, grace going backward, full of grace.

Grace defined is generosity of spirit: a capacity to tolerate, accommodate, or forgive people

pleasing: a pleasing and admirable quality or characteristic (usually plural)

gift of God to humankind: in Christianity, the infinite love, mercy, favor, and goodwill shown to humankind by God

freedom from sin: in Christianity, the condition of being free of sin, for example, through repentance to God

The husbands name is Elkanah which is God created. In his recorded life we see nothing significant, apparently just another man going about life as best as possible.

The story of these people take place in a time when there was a lack of true Revelation.

1 Samuel 3:1 And the word of the Lord was precious (rare) in those days; there was no open vision.

Imagine if you can a time when the people of the day are so sinful that God is silent.

Why such a lack of prophecy?

Could it be that true revelation was rare because God was able to find so few who were truly faithful ?

Amos warned in Amos 8:11-12 that there would come a time when there would be a famine of the word of God. “Behold the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water but of hearing the words of the Lord. And they shall wander from sea, to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.”

We see this in many nations , regions, societies, churches, and families, even today.

The most grievous of all famines, a famine of word of Jehovah; a time in which no true prophet should appear, no spiritual counselor, no faithful reprover, none any longer who would point out the way of salvation, or would assure them of the mercy of God on their repentance, and return to him. This is the severest of Gods judgments on this side of the worm that never dieth, and the fire that is never quenched…” (Adam Clark)

It was a time when there was a lack of restraint.

Judges 21:25..”In those days there was no king in Israel every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

No true prophetic preaching,….no moral absolutes, situational ethics,…do your own thing…..if it feels good to you do it,… after all no one has the right to judge sin.

Mother, those days look just like today, the key word today is “tolerance“.

Even the sons of the priest Eli showed no restraint.

1 Samuel 2:12 “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial (a false God) they knew not the Lord.”

How sad that a man like Eli who was High Priest, and Judge should raise ups sons that knew not the Lord.

We should never make the assumption that just bringing our children to the house of God will be enough to introduce them to the Lord.

Though the sons of Eli, inherited the office of priest, they used their office for personal gain, and lived in immorality.

Eli, did little to restrain them. They knew their father. They were like him.

As a result of their sinfulness, they and their father died tragic deaths.

It was a time when there was a lack of respect.

Because of the sins of the priests of the day, the children of Israel began to despise the offerings to the Lord.

There followed a lack of respect for the house of God, the ministers of God, and the sacrifices to God.

When things are not done correctly in the house of God, and by the ministers from God, people will lose respect for the things of God.

In spite of all of this God is about to use one woman to make a difference.

One woman can make a difference.

One person can make a difference.

The one He chose was Hannah.

Eli the priest was sitting at the door of the house of God, while the world passes by on the streets.

It is business as usual for Eli, not taking the word to the people, but sitting waiting for someone to seek him out.

He looks up from his stupor and sees a family approaching him, and his eyes focus on one woman.

Perhaps he had never seen this type of brokenness freely and openly displayed.

1. Hannah came to the house barren.

She had no children, and desperately wanted to conceive.

Mother, have you ever come to the house of God Barren?

Perhaps in a different sense than Hannah, but barren nonetheless.

2. Hannah came to the house of God burdened.

1 Samuel 1:10 “And there was bitterness in her soul..”

The word bitterness can also be read as “heaviness”

Are you ever heavy hearted?

3. Hannah came to the house of God believing.

She prayed from her heart….her lips moved, but no words were heard…it was between her, and the Lord.

The way prayer should be.

She persisted 1 Samuel 1:12 She continued praying.

Some would say she prayed through.

She poured. 1 Samuel 1:15 “…I have poured out my soul before the Lord.”

Psalms 42:4 “When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me for I had gone with the multitude,

I went with them to the house of God…”

Lamentations 2:19 “Arise, cry out in the night…pour out thine heart like water before the face of the

Lord.

She promised.

If God would bless her she would give the child back to the Lord.

What have you promised God that you are holding back on?

4. She prevailed.

1 Samuel 1:18 Her countenance was no more sad.

1:19 and the Lord remembered her.

5. She praised.

1 Samuel 2 records the prayer, and praise of Hannah after God answered her prayer.

1 Samuel 2:11 “And the child did minister unto the Lord.

Samuel would go on, and grow up to make a difference for the Lord.

Proper worship, integrity and holiness would be re-established in the house of God because of Samuel.

The child of a broken, barren, woman.

On this mothers day and every day you are blessed you are chosen you are favored, because from you can come the children that can change a world.

The children of your womb, your grandchildren, your nieces and nephews, and even the children in the neighborhood who see in you, greatness.

Thank you Mother.

Thank you Grandmother.