Prepare: We have the stewardship of all things including our children.
Read: 1 Samuel 2:12-26
Weak father and wicked sons: Eli's sons, Hophni and Phineas, had no reverence for God and no respect for the people who came to offer sacrifices to the Lord. When the people offered sacrifices they would take their portion of the sacrificed animal, even before the fat was burnt. These young men treated the offering of the Lord with contempt. In God's sight, that was a great sin. Instead of being mediators, they were a hindrance to the worshipper.
Eli heard all the reports about his sons, including how they spoiled the women who were serving in the house of the Lord. His rebuke and warning to his sons did not bring about a change in their behaviour. Probably, Eli should have brought up his sons in the fear of the Lord from early childhood. Now, it was too late.
Godly mother and saintly son: In contrast, a beautiful picture of Hannah and Samuel is shown here. She continued to offer the yearly sacrifice, besides giving a garment to Samuel. God blessed her with three sons and two daughters. God indeed showered his blessings on Hannah, beyond her imagination!
The boy Samuel grew up to be a young man, pleasing to the Lord and finding favour with the people (Luke 2:52). This certainly was due to Hannah's godly upbringing of Samuel. We should remember, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).
Respond: Lord, help up to fulfill the stewardship of our children entrusted to us.
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