Hannah's Son, Samuel

How can we make a difference?

Samuel Accomplishments

Influenced nations and history

Anointed not one but two kings to office

Led the greatest Passover ever - 2 Chron 35:18

He is called twice by God Himself

Dedicated the items that went into the Temple.

1 Samuel 1:5–6 KJV 1900

But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb. And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb.

1 Samuel 1:10–12 KJV 1900

And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no rasor come upon his head. And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth.

1 Samuel 1:19–20 KJV 1900

And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the Lord, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered her. Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the Lord.

Long before there was a Samuel, there was Hannah.

Hannah, a BARREN woman, believed God for a miracle.

Hannah wept and cried in bitterness of soul.

Hannah asks for a child, whom she promises to dedicate unto the Lord.

Hannah’s prayers answered with her promised child

He never fails or falls short.

Even more amazing, after she weans her child, she dedicates Samuel to the Lord.

Would any of this have come to pass without a mother’s love, prayer, or influence?

Mothers Love Reveals God’s Love

Mothers reveal how much He loves us. They are natural examples to reveal spiritual things.

Isaiah 49:15 KJV 1900

Can a woman forget her sucking child, That she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, Yet will I not forget thee.

A Mother’s love is powerful but you have a better chance of mom forgetting than HIM forgetting.

Three Things About Mothers

A Mother’s Love Imparts Life

It believes the BEST

Ill- proud mother of soldier Jim in WWI. All the other young men put their right foot out when Jim put out his left.

Asked what she noticed, Mom’s reply was everyone else was out of step.

Hannah’s love brought to life the man destined to change nations and anoint kings.

Hannah’s love produced 3 other sons and 2 daughters.

A Mother’s Prayer Makes Things Happen

Ill - A mother, living in poverty, prayed with tears in her eyes while busy over a washboard, for her son John.

John Newton slave trader became a sailor preacher

Thomas Scott, selfish and satisfied, his writings led thousands to Christ

William Cowper’s song, There is a fount filled with blood brought countless thousands to Christ.

Hannah called and great things happened

Jeremiah 33:3 KJV 1900

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

Mom’s are human but also divine. James 5:16

Unmoved by man - Elkanah, Eli, and Penninah, she would call unto God.

A Mother’s Influence Is Powerful

Will Wallace had it right in his poem when he said “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Rules The World” -

Hannah’s faithfulness opened her womb - 3 more sons and 2 daughters would be born to her.

Two kings would be anointed. David and Saul

Would there have been a King David without Samuel?

Would David have defeated Goliath and united a nation?

Would Jesus be born to another family?

Altar Call -

Mothers mourning for children - death, unsaved or prodigal.

We owe it to our mothers to live to our potential, enjoy the life God has given and make a difference in the world around us.

Is there anyone who would like to commit to doing better this year than the last?