1 Samuel 2:3
The scripture for today is 1 Samuel 2:3
1 Samuel 2:3 Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is the God of knowledge; and by Him, actions are weighed.
Elkanah had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren. " And whenever the time came for Elkanah to make an offering, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah, he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the LORD had closed her womb. And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the LORD had closed her womb." 1 Samuel 1:4-6
Hannah went humbly before the Lord and cried out to Him for divine intervention. God heard Hannah’s prayer and granted her a son, Samuel. Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord and he became a priest in the house of the Lord. God then blessed Hannah with other children.
It is the spirit of the world that would cause one to feel superior to those who have, for one reason or another, a lesser station in life than one perceives themselves to have. The spirit of the evil one is self-exalting, boastful, and harsh. It does not empathize, it criticizes, showing no care or concern for the one who is hurting.
Hannah, after God intervened on her behalf, could have taken a superior position. After all, she was heard by God and now had a son who was to be God’s special priest. But Hannah did no such thing. She rejected arrogance and pride and gave all glory to God.
These two women are examples of two roads that we can travel. One road seems like it is the blessed course, but in fact, it is full of selfishness and pride. The other road seems like it is devoid of blessings, but in the end, it is the road that reveals the heart of God. It is the road less traveled. Let us, like Hannah, rely upon God and not our own selves. Let us walk in humility and reap the rewards of righteousness.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim