New Beginnings pt 3

Living into the New

Foolish to Keep the Vow: Eli is a terrible father and a priest with little to no convictions. “no spiritual discernment”.

Consider the outcome of his parenting, his chilren; Hophni and Phenious. Chap. 2:12-17

12 Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the LORD. 13 The custom of the priests with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come, while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand, 14 and he would thrust it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or pot. All that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. This is what they did at Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. 15 Moreover, before the fat was burned, the priest’s servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give meat for the priest to roast, for he will not accept boiled meat from you but only raw.” 16 And if the man said to him, “Let them burn the fat first, and then take as much as you wish,” he would say, “No, you must give it now, and if not, I will take it by force.” 17 Thus the sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the LORD, for the men treated the offering of the LORD with contempt.

Is it right to keep such a vow?

This would be a way out of the vow. Everyone would understand. It is logical, the child may be in danger if he lives in these conditions.

Newness begins in the honest lamenting of the past and the present. It is seeking the Future-surrendering all.

“Sometimes trials are overcome quickly. A process is often needed in order to allow individual to steward their pain yet grow in trust and in faith.” (LEAD PASTOR, Joe Humrichous)

VV. 17-20. Fulfillment of the blessing: New Beginnings bring new choices.

1 and 2 Samuel: An Introduction and Commentary (i. A Woman’s Prayer Is Answered (1:1–28))

There is an instructive contrast between the Hannah who, distraught and averse to food, went to pray, and the Hannah who returned to join the family. Though outwardly her circumstances had not changed, she was now joyous and resolute, full of assurance that her prayer would be answered.

Baldwin, Joyce G. 1988. 1 and 2 Samuel: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 8. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

1:21-28- A New Life Begins

English Standard Version (Chapter 1)

21 The man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the LORD and dwell there forever.” 23 Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the LORD establish his word.” So the woman remained and nursed her son until she weaned him. 24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. And the child was young. 25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli.

26 And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD. 27 For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD.”And he worshiped the LORD there.

1 and 2 Samuel: An Introduction and Commentary (i. A Woman’s Prayer Is Answered (1:1–28))

The contrast between Hannah’s selfless devotion and the self-indulgence of the priests at Shiloh (1 Sam. 2:12) highlights the cost to her of leaving Samuel there, though this is not mentioned directly. People like her were salt and light in the community

From this single New Opportunity of faith, honesty, many other new expression come about: a new order of priesthood, a new leadership of a nation, a new marriage from the old, a new awareness of God in the generations of God’s people.

1 and 2 Samuel: An Introduction and Commentary (i. A Woman’s Prayer Is Answered (1:1–28))

Ironically, there is here a subtle undermining of Eli’s authority: ‘it will be Samuel, not his master Eli, who will hear the voice of God distinctly addressing him in the sanctuary’

What is the old that is holding you from your new? Do you have vows to keep, though by reason, you have an out?

As you identify with Hannah’s heart, life- is your God and faith in Him sufficient to open the New?

Have you discovered that the comfort of friends/family cannot open the door to the New that God has for you?

Communion Celebrates the New-