Topic: A Consecrated Vow [Saturday May 16, 2015]
Text: 1 Samuel 1:14-28
Key Verse: “Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there” (1 Samuel 1:28).
Edward McKendree Bounds, an astute clergyman, who gave himself much to prayer, once commented thus: “Natural ability and educational advantages do not figure as factors in this matter of prayer; but a capacity for faith, the power of a thorough consecration, the ability of self-littleness, an absolute losing of one’s self in God’s glory and an ever present and insatiable yearning and seeking after all the fullness of God.”
Nothing could better explain Hannah’s consecration than the way she conducted herself, according to our text, when she was in anguish. She had longed for a child, but it was not forthcoming. It looked as if God had forgotten her. But it was not so; it was only a delay. She knew that God was all powerful and only Him could help her. So, she went to Him, not praying aloud, but in her spirit. Eli the priest, who did not understand her, thought that she was drunk, which was a misjudgment.
Perhaps, Eli had seen other people behaved badly in the temple and thought Hannah could be one of them. In spite of this accusation, Hannah never allowed anger to rise in her heart. Rather, she lovingly and patiently bore the ridicule. When Eli realized his mistake, he blessed her. Leaders, sometimes, can make a mistake and accuse you falsely. Your disposition will determine whether you are born again or not. But as a leader, when you realise your mistake, do you tender unreserved apology, or do you allow haughtiness to take over you, simply because you are occupying one position or the other in the church?
Hannah made a vow to dedicate the child, if God granted her request, to the service of the Lord all throughout his life. God, out of mercy, answered her prayer and she gave birth to a son. When the child, Samuel, was old enough to eat proper food, Hannah fulfilled her vow and dedicated him to the Lord.
Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 12-14
Thought for The Day: Make a vow not to be a lukewarm Christian.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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