My mom collected Bibles—and she read them. I discovered this a couple of years ago while I as going through her books after her death. I found a box full of dog-eared, note-filled Bibles. In the front of each one she had written, “What this book is found to say, I am bound to believe.” In some of them she added, “The Old Testament is the swaddling cloths in which Jesus is wrapped.” I treasure these books.
Hannah’s Song
I often think of Hannah’s Song (1 Sam. 2:1-10) when Mother’s Day rolls around. Remember the story behind the song? Hannah desperately wants to be a mother. She longs for children. Her family, friends, and neighbors expect her to have children, lots of children. In the ancient culture in which Hannah lived a quiver full of children is a mark of honor and respect.
Praying through her longing and tears, Hannah cries,
O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head (1 Sam. 1:11).
Despite appearances, Hannah is not out to strike a deal with God. She is essentially saying, “Lord, all my life I’ve wanted a child for me. Now I want to have a child for you. This child will be yours!” She will offer her child as a Nazarite, a voluntary Levite. A voluntary Levite will not grow up in her home, learn his father’s trade, own or inherit, or take care of her when she is old. If she’s fortunate, she’ll see him once a year. She prays and trusts, and leaves the outcome to God.
God hears her prayer and blesses her with a son, Samuel. She responds to God’s mercy with “Hannah’s Song.” These two verses get to the heart it:
There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God (1 Sam. 2:2).
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. . . . He will guard the feet of his faithful ones (1 Sam. 2:8, 9).
Mary’s Song
Centuries later, another mother will base her song on Hannah’s song. Mary, the mother Jesus, says,
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation (Luke 1:46-50).
Hannah and Mary learn what Jesus will explicitly teach Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Our Song
You see, this isn’t just a Mother’s Song, or Hannah’s Song, or Mary’s Song, it’s every believer’s song. Whether you are married or not, have children or not, are doing well or not! It’s our song!
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. . . . He will guard the feet of his faithful ones (1 Sam. 2:8, 9).
God’s grace is sufficient. Christ’s power is displayed through weakness. He will guard the feet of his faithful ones!
How are you praying today?
What are you singing?
A Place to Write 