1 Samuel 1-2
“But Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod.”
“Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.”
“And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.”
1Samuel 2:18, 21b, 26
Hannah’s boy has been given and dedicated to the Lord. He is growing up in the presence of the Lord. This is a significant sentence in the context of the chapter since most of what is talked about is the sinful example of Eli’s sons. Samuel is ministering before the Lord while the sons of Eli are treating the offerings of the Lord with contempt. Samuel had been prayed for earnestly and conceived miraculously. Hannah was a parent who kept her vow to present this boy to the Lord. The Lord would then take the offering of that child and Samuel would become a mighty man of faith and an example for all ages. He grew in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men. While the surroundings that Samuel grew up in could have easily led him from the Lord, the dedication of Hannah and the faithfulness of God shaped and formed the heart of this great priest as one who would remain very near to the Lord. I must look to have my heart always shaped by the Lord by being constantly aware of his presence in my life.
Dear Father, thank you for the example of your faithfulness in the life of Samuel. Help me to remain aware of your presence and your power. Keep me in awe of you. Amen