Word of Encouragement (07/20/2023)
And she vowed a vow and said, "O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head." (1 Sam. 1:11)
We have been talking about what Hannah really wanted. But what did God want? It seems that this humble request of Hannah’s reached God’s ear. God would soon grant her a child and that child would be an honored servant of God. This shows that the prayers that reach God the quickest are humble prayers. This was shown in Jesus’ short parable on prayer. The arrogant prayer of a Pharisee, who bragged about his good deeds, never reached God’s ear. But God heard the prayer of a tax collector, who stood far off and beat his breast as he prayed, not able to lift his eyes to heaven, simply begging God to have mercy on him (Luke 18:10ff). This is not to say that humble people cannot pray big and bold prayers. True humility is not about perpetual groveling in self-debasement and -loathing. True humility recognizes not only that one is small but also that God is great! It takes true humility to not dwell on our unworthiness but dare to trust in God’s promise for us.
Hannah’s vow was what God wanted from her, why He allowed her to suffer all that she did—not just the desperation and sincerity with which she prayed to Him but also her desire for God above all, even a son. In some ways, Hannah’s humble prayer was the most daring, wasn’t it? However big a thing we may ask from God, what is that to Him, who owns all things in heaven and earth? But Hannah was ultimately asking God to take notice of her and remember her: she was asking for God Himself! We can give things and do things for others. We can do that without giving our hearts, without getting emotionally engaged. Having others do or give things for us is not easy. But it is much more difficult to have them give us their friendship and love. God wanted Hannah to desire God above all because He wanted to give Himself to her.
When Hannah made this vow, God heard her and gave her a son. But just as what Hannah wanted was not just a son but God Himself, what God gave her was more than just a son; He gave Himself. Indeed, in answer to her prayer for a son, God would eventually give her the Son, His only begotten Son! God took notice of the full extent of her affliction, which was far beyond being barren and persecuted and scorned by others. All these were but symptoms of the affliction of sin. And because God remembered her and not forgot her in affliction, He would send His only begotten Son to deliver her from the affliction of sin and death and hell and Satan. The Son of God came to take her, and our, affliction upon Himself and died so that He might bury it forever. So, God will remember us and never forget us for all eternity.
What is it that you desire in your heart? Know that you can bring that to God in prayer. But could it be that that is not what you really desire? What created that longing was not your need for it but the void you feel because your relationship with Christ is not healthy and vibrant. Could it be that more of Christ is what you really long for? If so, you have all the reasons to rejoice because God has already given you the Son, in whom all of His promises and blessings are yes and amen! May the Lord deepen our understanding of this truth and multiply our joy in Jesus Christ until we will enjoy Him as our greatest Treasure forever!