China Daily on House Churches

http://tianjin.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2010-03/17/content_9600333.htm

Hannah and Her Sacrifice

I Samuel 1

I tend to justify myself when clinging to gifts the Lord has given me. I tell myself that the Lord has given to enjoy, and until he takes it, it is mine to take without question. You can see how this can turn into idolatry pretty quickly, and an unchecked idolatry.

We can see in 1 Samuel that Hannah pleaded with the Lord to the point that Eli came upon her weeping "bitterly" and thought she was drunk. She told the Lord if he heard her and granted her a desire for a son, she would give his life to the Lord.

When Samuel was born, she indeed gave Samuel to the Lord. But my experience in situations like these have been, "Lord, you granted me this desire, so I was mistaken in saying I would give it back. You want me to keep it and enjoy to the fullest." This usually is in the form of me telling the Lord that I can give back something at any given time, but when the time comes for me to give it up, I cling. Woe to me for my insincere promises.

Promise (n)- a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing

"When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay." Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

My purpose is not to condemn myself, but to learn to take joy in fulfilling promises. After all, I want the Lord to take pleasure in my actions.

After Hannah weaned Samuel, she took him to the house of the Lord. She did this in thanksgiving for the answered prayer, and not out of reluctance from giving up her long-awaited desire. We joyfully fulfill promises.

"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord." 1 Samuel 1:27-28

Then she worshipped the Lord, her heart exulting in him.

There was no room for idolatry. Our hearts should always be in a state like Hannah's--ready to give all back to him, all our blessings whether they be people or things.

Condemnation

Fleshly offenses have emerged in my heart and actions, and I am brought low. But truth tells me that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus and also that:

"God[...] has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." 1 Corinthians 4:6-7

Lord, help me to claim my shortcomings and my unworthiness. I want to display your power and strength. Any reservation towards this is some meager attempt to show the world that I have succeeded at "Christianity." But if I am perfect I do not need Christ or the gospel, and by my actions am undermining Christ work on the cross. Teach me to say with Paul, "I am the worst among sinners." I need Jesus.

"Whoever conceals his transgression will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." Proverbs 28:13