“Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord in Shiloh. And the child was young. 5 Then they slaughtered a bull, and brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, “O my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the Lord. 27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. 28 Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.” 1 Samuel 1:24-28 NKJV
God of history,
We move into the book of 1 Samuel and the end of the period of Judges. Perhaps Samson left them wary of having another Judge! But here, in readiness, God, You sent a baby, who who would grow up to be Your man and faithful to Your call. And it begins with a godly woman who calls to You in her distress for a child. Even being mistaken for a drunkard in her fervent prayer!
The miracle of life. But Hannah says something here that is not just godly it is an attitude of one who knew You as a provider. Hannah says, You Lord granted my petition for a child so I have lent him to You as long as he lives. She knew what it would cost her and treasured those early years.
Jesus said we should count the cost of being a disciple (Luke 14:28-30). We only begin to understand when we see what it cost You God, in Jesus. Hannah lent Samuel back to You because she understood, You had granted her request. Some versions say she dedicated him- but I like this version. If all I have is from You then I should make it all available lend it for You to use, Lord. That is a huge promise to make. Perhaps Lord, we could start where I am and learn as I go? Learning to know how and when and what to use in Your service? Wisely and yet freely?
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 24th March 2026
Not a hymn I select too often lest it becomes over familiar. But this version is sung with such gusto and faith it demands a silent prayer at the end – and all I have is thine to use as You will . . .
In 1903, Thomas Chisholm started a family by marrying the love of his life: Catherine Vandervere. His path in life was set, he would be a minister for the remainder of his days. But he suffered a decline in health and in 1909, had to leave his congregation. Financial issues arose from hospital bills. Thomas never became bitter quite the opposite. He had more time to write hymns, and the loving support of his wife and two daughters. He found a job selling life insurance. No matter the struggle, Thomas chose to see God’s faithfulness.
Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside.
Lyrics: Thomas O Chisholm (1923)