Day 19 of 90 - Judges 20 - 1 Samuel 8

Day 19 - COMPLETE!

On Day 19, we completed Judges 20-1 Samuel 8. In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah’s story leapt from the pages, but this time, for a different reason. I saw a very practical lesson in 1 Samuel 1:22. Sure, I’ve preached about how consistent Hannah’s worship was; and I do believe, at her core, Hannah was a true worshiper. Who, other than a worshipper, would go to Shiloh year after year, to worship a God who “shut up her womb” (1 Samuel 1:6). Who, other than a worshipper, would put up with Peninnah’s provocations and not give her a “piece of her mind.” I have no doubt that Hannah was a worshipper and we see that in every season of her life. However, Hannah was a worshipper with priorities. Hannah was a worshipper with wisdom. We know this because once Samuel was born, Hannah had to make a crucial decision. Do I stay with my infant baby and wean him, or do I go up to offer my annual sacrifices to God at Shiloh. Hannah decided not to go. She loved God, but she also had her priorities in order, and she told her husband, after the boy is weaned I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there. And I love this verse “so the woman stayed at home and nursed her son.”


This hit me so hard because, as a father, I sometimes I find myself having to make difficult decisions between church and child. Do I go to ballet or bible study? Do I hop on a plane to get to Parent-Teacher Conference or do I take this preaching engagement? And this simple, practical decision that Hannah made, reminded me of this truth: before there was church, there was family.


Hannah loved God, but only she could wean her child. And for those of us in ministry, be careful not to sacrifice your child on the altar of church. Elkanah told her “do what seems best to you,” and I think some of us need to hear just that. If it’s not best for you and your family, don’t do it. Don’t put yourself in a compromising position all because you are over-committed to an organization. On the other hand, don’t use your children as an easy “out” from the commitments you’ve made. Both extremes are problematic. So I guess I’m saying, be balanced.

 

A false balance is an abomination (Proverbs 11:1) and I believe that many people have found themselves choosing church over children. Or, they have not been free from a “works righteousness” mentality so they are serving in church because they think that serving makes them more “saved.” It is not by works lest any man should boast. I am praying that God will free us from feeling like we need to apologize for having right priorities. I am also praying that we don’t miss pivotal years in our children’s lives trying to please people who will never be satisfied. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.