Dedicated to the Lord

Responding To God's Grace

God is Faithful

Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5) 

God Answers Prayer

1 Samuel 1:24-26 The Message

23-24 Elkanah said to his wife, “Do what you think is best. Stay home until you have weaned him. Yes! Let God complete what he has begun!”
So she did. She stayed home and nursed her son until she had weaned him. Then she took him up to Shiloh, bringing also the makings of a generous sacrificial meal—a prize bull, flour, and wine. The child was so young to be sent off!
25-26 They first butchered the bull, then brought the child to Eli. Hannah said, “Excuse me, sir. Would you believe that I’m the very woman who was standing before you at this very spot, praying to God? I prayed for this child, and God gave me what I asked for. And now I have dedicated him to God. He’s dedicated to God for life.”
Then and there, they worshiped God.

For Reflection

They would not proceed without stopping to worship God. Here, at the same spot where Hannah had petitioned God for a child, she declares her dedication and dedicates her child to the service of God.

I suppose it is reminiscent of our celebration of Baptism in which we commit ourselves or our children to God and pledge to be obedient to the Lord and to raise up a child. In doing so, we publically declare our obedience to God. We die to our old life and pledge ourselves to a new life in Jesus Christ. We accept the rights and responsibilities as a member of the family in the household of God. 

Pray
Pray that having recognized your divine origin, you will rest in the knowledge that you are living under God's covenant. Pray slowly and in contemplation, let your mind absorb the meaning of your divinity.


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