RPG Adults
SERVING GOD THROUGH FAMILY TRIALS
SATURDAY, MARCH 11
1 Samuel 1:1-8
Deuteronomy 12:17-28
“…thou must eat them before
the LORD thy God…”
SERVING GOD THROUGH FAMILY TRIALS
Samuel’s life began in the period of the book of Judges. Samuel was Israel’s last judge who also served the LORD as priest and as prophet. He had the privilege of anointing the first two kings of Israel. He lived in a period of apostasy and self-will during the times of the judges. He saw this era end and a new era arise in the nation.
“And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh…” (1 Sam 1:3). The challenges of the domestic life and the national life during this period were highlighted in the appendices of the book of Judges (Judg 17-21). The first chapters of 1 Samuel will present a similar picture at Shiloh. The picture given of Elkanah’s family presents to us the place of personal responsibility and personal choice, especially in times of declension. We have in this picture a family that sought to serve God not only in times of national and religious crisis, but also in the midst of domestic difficulties and challenges. The verse begins with a reference to Elkanah, the head of the house, and his responsibility to worship God at the set times and at the set place. He was committed to the commands and statutes of God about worship despite the domestic conflicts between his two wives.
“…he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion…” (1 Sam 1:4-5). The man’s duty to provide for and lead his family is clearly presented here. He made sure not only that they did not appear before the LORD empty-handed, but also that everyone attended and actively participated in the worship. Every family has its challenges. Elkanah’s family had one that was caused by personal choice (polygamy), and the strife worsen each time they prepared for worship. Elkanah also took responsibility for the family problems, speaking to Hannah to encourage and lift her spirits at the worship in Shiloh. We must live with the consequences of our choices, and continue to worship God through the trials of life we face.
THOUGHT: “Trusting Him whate’er befall; trusting Jesus, that is all.”
PRAYER: O Father, behold us at Thy feet, a needy, sinful band.