Let’s Talk about Families
Author: Robert A. Cook (1912-1991)
For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him. (1 Sam. 1:27)
How do you plot a course for your family? Note three crucial elements evident in today’s text: first, prayer; second, commitment; and third, responsibility.
Hannah prayed earnestly. In agony of soul, she cried out to God. And God answered her prayer beautifully, in the arrival of a baby boy, Samuel. Prayer makes the difference between a family full of God and a family full of self. This has to be more, by the way, than a prayer now and again in formal fashion. It takes that personal intercession where mothers and dads, sons and daughters, are each seeking God.
Second, commitment. Hannah vowed that Samuel would be lent to the Lord as long as he lived (1:28). Would you be willing to give your child to God—perhaps even for overseas missions service? Would you be willing to give up your home, your financial security, your prestige? My dear friend, the willingness to give your most precious possession to God, and yourself with the gift, makes all the difference.
The third factor, of course is responsibility. Eli knew that "his sons made themselves vile and he restrained them not" (3:13). Eli was a chief priest, and, as such, it was his responsibility to say who would serve with him in the tabernacle. He could have, and he should have, said, "Boys, if you’re not going to walk with God, you’re not going to work here either."
Small thought here:
My father said to me on many occasions, "Boy, as long as you have your feet under my table I’m responsible to God for you." And parents, it’s true!
