In the narrative of these first five chapters from the book of Samuel we see the contrasts between two parents. A humble woman who chooses to give her child fully to the Lord on one hand. The religious leader of the people who is willing to rebuke others (like he did Hannah when he thought she was drunk in the temple) but is unwilling to rebuke his own sons who are making a mockery of the things of God.

The religious leader of the God’s people raised children that were shameful to the cause of God.

The humble, barren woman raised a child that became the religious leader of God’s people.

Which parent are we? Have we dedicated our children fully to God or do we by our own unwillingness to parent in some ways keep them at a distance from God?

Tomorrow’s Reading: Psalms 30-32