Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 16, 2023
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel. Chapters 1 and 2 contain the stories of two families. These families are filled with hope and despair; obedience and wickedness. These two families contrast the spiritual state of the God’s community of Israel and they reflect the condition of God’s church today. In some corners of the church, barren women are praying for God to change their situation. In other corners of the church, leaders are exploiting the people. However, God has a plan for all aspects of His community and it includes answering prayers and judging sin. This story is filled with real people, with real names and it invites us to consider how God is working now and has always worked in the everyday lives of His people.
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In 1 Samuel 1, we see Hannah dealing with great sorrow over not be able to have children. She was struggling with the mocking of her husband’s other wife. Hannah went to the Lord with her grief. We often go to others for comfort when we are sad or grieved before we go to the Lord. Man’s words can never comfort us like the Lord can. Are you in a season of sorrow, grief, trial or tribulation? Where are you going for comfort or answers?
In Samuel 1:19-20, we see Hannah’s prayer answered. Hannah’s prayer was exactly what the Lord wanted, and He was faithful to answer her according to His will. The Lord planned to use her son for His purpose. We see here that we are to align our prayers with God’s desires and plans. Our lives should be about His kingdom and not our own agenda. In what ways are you needing to seek God’s plans and not your own?
In Samuel 2, we see that there is spiritual barrenness in this land, and Eli and his family are part of the issue. Eli’s sons were wicked and self serving. They did not respect the priestly responsibilities that they had been given. Eli allowed this behavior to go unpunished. Unfortunately, Eli’s choice to not discipline his sons caused the gift of the priestly calling to be removed from his family and his son’s deaths. There are consequences when we don’t follow God’s will and do as He has asked us. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal the areas of your life where you have disobeyed His instruction. Then repent and do as He has instructs you.
The community we see in 1 Samuel is not that different from out society today. There are some who are walking with God and serving others, and those who are choosing to walk away from God and be self serving. Which category do you fall into?
We are part of a community – at home, at work and at church. How connected are you to your “community?” Do you know and truly see those around you? Are you investing in them? Are you getting to know the people you attend church with? Do you know people’s names and information about their lives?