Grief and loss can come in many forms. When a woman longs to have a child, but is unable to, grief runs deep. When a child rebels against God rejecting his ways, deep loss settles in your heart. How do we go on?
The book of Samuel opens with the story of a barren woman, Hannah, who cries out to the Lord to have a child. In God’s timing, Hannah bore a son, Samuel, whom she dedicated to serving God full-time. “For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore, I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD.” Once Samuel was weaned, Hannah left Samuel with the tabernacle priest, Eli, in Shiloh.
Now Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phineas, were worthless men. Not only did they take the choicest parts of every offering for themselves, but they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Even though Eli rebuked Hophni and Phineas, his sons refused to listen, so God’s justice was served on Eli and his sons.
Thus, says the Lord … “And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house, and he shall go in and out before my anointed forever” (1 Samuel 2:35).
Lord, raise up faithful priests who follow your ways and do your will.
Robin Copeland
Extended Scripture: 1 Samuel 1–3 (ESV)
