Samuel who grew up within the covenant

1 Samuel 1:9~18 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. (17~18)

♬ Hymn for scheduled: Korean/English Hymnal #200 Sing Them Over Again to Me (#235 in previous version)

There was a woman who earnestly prayed before God because she did not have a son. She questioned in prayer why others were granted a son and she wasn’t, and then, fell into resentment when answers were not given. Then one day, her prayers changed. She began to pray that if she was given a son she would offer him up to God as a Nazirite. As if God was patiently waiting for this prayer, He immediately blessed her with a son. This woman is Hannah, and her son was Israel’s leader Samuel. What is it that changed Hannah?

1. Samuel who experienced the power of the covenant
Hannah became aware of God’s plan. She realized that God desired a spiritual leader for Israel. Through his mother who possessed the covenant, Samuel grew to have the covenant planted in his heart and spirit. Also, the mystery of the covenant became deeply rooted in Samuel who slept next to the Ark of the Covenant. Samuel gained strength from the Word of God, was guided like the Israelites who were provided with manna in the wilderness, and experienced the truth of the power pertaining to the budded staff.

2. Samuel who heard God’s calling
When Samuel lay beside the Ark of the Covenant, God called upon Samuel and spoke to him. God explained to Samuel of the important things to come in his life. Not a single word from Samuel, who held onto the covenant and dwelled in prayer, fell to the ground and everything was fulfilled.1 Samuel 3:19

3. Samuel who restored the covenant
Israel that lost hold of the covenant and fell into idol worship was stripped of the Ark of the Covenant by the aggression of their neighboring superpower nation, the Philistines, and was held captive. Samuel listened to the Word God gave to him and at a young age realized the mystery of the Ark of the Covenant. As a result, he entered into prayer without being shaken. When the Ark of Covenant was recovered, Samuel gathered all the people to dispose of all the idols and proclaimed that they must obey God. Samuel planted the covenant into the hearts of the people when their understanding of the covenant was vague. He led them to regain spiritual strength and was used as a leader to save the age.

Forum Topic
God has a set plan for you. When you discover this, God will answer you as if He had been patiently waiting to do so. Meditate upon what God has in store for you.
Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2013.1.27