1 Samuel 1:1-8, 18-20; 2:1-10 (ESV)

1:1 There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. 2 He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the LORD. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. 6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?” … 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. 19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her. 20 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the LORD.” … 2:1 And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. 2 “There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. 3 Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. 4 The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength. 5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. 6 The LORD kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. 7 The LORD makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. 8 He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and on them he has set the world. 9 “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail. 10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

Intro: What is the opposite of despise, 23:22? It’s to honor.

WILLFULNESS & DYSFUNCTION
Rather than loving those below us or above us, how have we exalted ourselves?

A FATHER & SON’S WORK
How is God’s work of redemption the perfect union of a Father and Son?

STEWARDSHIP & HONOR
What is significant about God’s design for us to be multi-generational?

Take-away: God gives where he finds empty hands.

YOU CAN PRAY WITH US …
1 - Worship the LORD for His good design of family, and the miracle of His Grace to adopt us into His family, in Christ. Praise Him, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that His unity and love is the hope of every parent and child.

2 - How have you lived either neglecting to take responsibility for anyone under your care, or dishonoring those over you? Confess your pride and selfishness to Jesus, asking Him to forgive you and to change your heart.

3 - Give thanks to Jesus for His loyalty to the Father to suffer the punishment we deserve for our lack of loyalty! Thank Him also for His work to fulfill the Father’s design so that we could be recovered to true goodness.

4 - Who do you know that suffers from brokenness in their family, even if it’s largely at their own hands? Pray for them, asking the Lord to make His love and Grace known to them, to bring them hope and healing.

5 - Ask the Holy Spirit to work into you His fruit of love, peace and faithfulness. Pray for Him to grow in you Jesus’ character as a true son, so that in your family relationships you can better demonstrate His love.