Theological insights from A birthing person

Last week we celebrated Mother’s Day. Hannah is a towering figure in the Old Testament. Her son, Samuel, led Israel from the chaotic time of the judges to a great empire under King David. Hannah, a godly mother, produced a strong son named Samuel.

Hannah’s life was not easy. For many years she was unable to have children. Eventually God blessed her with a son. Difficult circumstances drove her to know God better. The crucible of suffering produced theological convictions. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 is Hannah’s Song. We discover three priorities in the life of Hannah.

Her first priority was God Himself in verses 1 to 3. Verse 1 says, “Then Hannah prayed to the Lord, ‘My heart exults in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord, my mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.”

Five times we find the personal pronouns “my” and “I.” After this Hannah never mentions herself again in her song. Hannah rejoiced in God. She found her strength in God Himself. Hannah did not rejoice in her difficult marriage. She did not focus upon her circumstances. She did not even focus on her new son Samuel. Her joy was in God Himself.

Verse 2 says, “There is no one holy like the Lord, indeed, there is no one like You, nor is there any rock like our God.” She describes God as holy. God is different from us. God is her rock. The word rock means “bedrock.” God provides stability and strength.

Her second great priority was God’s sovereignty in verses 4 to 8. Hannah, the theologian, has great insight. Hannah says, “There are no circumstances in my life God cannot change.” Verse 4 says, “The bows of the mighty are shattered, but the feeble gird on strength.” The strong army is defeated by the weak army.

Verse 5 says, “Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry cease to hunger.” The poor become rich. The rich become poor. Verse 5 continues, “Even the barren gives birth to seven but she who has many children languishes.” Hannah had no children. She prayed and God gave her a son- Samuel. Later God gave her three more sons and two more daughters (verse 21). There is no circumstance in our lives God cannot change.

In verses 6 to 10 Hannah said, “God is sovereign over every circumstance in our lives.” Verse 6 says, “The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.” Children are a gift from God. God “makes alive.” Death is also in God’s hands. At the right time God tells every believer in Jesus, “It is time to come home and be with Me.”

Hannah said, “God is sovereign over every circumstance in your life. If you are in a difficult circumstance or time, it is according to God’s plan and purpose. He knows what He is doing in your life. Trust Him.”

Hannah’s third great priority was God’s plan in verses 9 to 10. She focused upon the coming Messiah and His future kingdom. Hannah did not focus on the short term. She focused on the long term. She even focused on the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus and the messianic kingdom.

Verse 10 says, “The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; and He will give strength to His King, and will exalt the horn of His anointed.” The word anointed is Messiah. This is the first time we find the word Messiah in the Old Testament. The first time Jesus came to suffer and to die for our sins. The next time He is coming to defeat His enemies and to reign.

This article is titled, “Theological Insights From A Birthing Person.” No. I don’t agree with those trying to fundamentally change our society by changing our language. God is our Father. He sent His Son. God created mothers. Thank God for our mothers. Hannah passed these truths down to her son. Let’s live in the light of God’s truth. The hand that rocks the cradle truly rules the world!

Ethan Hansen is a pastor at Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.