By: Dr. Tim Crump, District Superintendent
I wonder how many prayers people lifted to God as they waited for the Messiah. I also wonder how many prayers a barren woman declared as she asked God for a child.
1 Samuel 1:1-18 and Luke 1:46-55 are saturated with uncanny similarities and stark contrasts as they focus on two different women and the birth of their sons.
1 Samuel takes place during the season of “each man doing what was right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25).
It was a time of disregard for God and His commands. It was as though no one was listening to God.
During this time, a woman named Hannah prayed and asked Him for a child. And God heard her prayers.
The name she gave her son was Samuel. It was a name that is filled with meaning and significance. It means: “asked of God” or “God has heard!”
Hannah wanted a child, and God listened and gave her one after many years of waiting.
Our other passage (Luke 1:46-55) is a song of praise for who God is and what He has done for Mary and the people of God.
Luke 1:26-38 provides us a glimpse of some of the thoughts, fears, and concerns Mary must have had upon receiving the news that she would bring forth a son called Jesus.
Mary was not looking to have a child at this time, but the Lord wanted to use her in a way she couldn’t have expected!
Two passages, two births, similar contexts, and what bursts forth is the birth of something or, more appropriately, someone.
Little did Mary or Hannah realize the impact their sons would have on the people of God and our world.
Today, we should be reminded that God loves intervening in barrenness and brokenness and provides a new beginning!
So often, we seek an immediate removal of the challenges and difficulties in our lives and world. We want quick fixes and demand provision now!
But one of God’s methods throughout the generations to bring about a new day is in the birth, nurture, and admonition of children who are given fully to God and His purposes.
And nurturing a child in the womb and continuing that nurturing into adulthood takes time!
The answer to the prayers of Hannah and Mary brought forth a babies who would grow up to be men used for God’s glory and purposes.
Samuel was undoubtedly God’s man in a time of sin and unfaithfulness. The coming of Jesus was designed to save His people from their sins.
Their stories are similar:
These women shared a season of brokenness and were willing to go to God with their burdens and concerns.
These women rejoiced in what God was about to do as they realized they were instruments God used to bless our world.
These women responded to God in faith and complete obedience.
Hannah and Mary remind us that children are not just for their parents but for the Lord and His purposes. They are to be given to Him!
One day, Jesus will return; while we still wait, may we give ourselves to God and our children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren.
And may we realize that his work takes time.
To God be the glory, great things He has done!