Dedicated to the Lord

~~ 1Samuel 1:24-28 ~~~ 1Samuel 2 ~~~ Luke 1:46-56 ~~~

 

I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request.
Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD;
as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD."
She left Samuel there.

 

A faithful mother gives her child back to God.

Hannah returns the gift of her son Samuel dedicating him to the Lord.

Samuel did indeed grow up to serve the well.

It is interesting that this story of Samuel is paired with

Luke's gospel of Mary's proclamation...

"...My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
for he has looked upon his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name..."

 

 

 

Mary was herself dedicated to the Lord.

The Holy Spirit overshadowed her with the

greatest blessing of all.

 

Mary was not only dedicated herself to the Lord;

she carried and subsequently birthed the Lord himself.

 

Mary did much more than Hannah;

Mary gave her only son to all of us.

Mary gave her son back to the Father.

Mary was instrumental in developing Jesus into

 the person who wanted only to do the will of the Father.

 

Mary cooperated with the will of God every day of her life.

Mary never again doubted after the angel's visit.

Mary knew in her heart that she could not keep her son

for herself.

 

Mary made a sacrifice by allowing Jesus to go out

'on the road' to do the will of his heavenly Father.

She would have been quite happy to have him stay

around the house a few more years.

 

Mary knew he had to be about his Father's business

as early as possible.

Mary mastered loving Jesus from a distance.

She supported him with her pure love.

 

Now is a good time to consider how you have dedicated

yourself to the Lord.