Sermon Title: The Supplications of Barren Hannah Before the Living God, Creator of Heaven, Earth, Sea, and All That Is Within—He Has No Partner
Scripture Reference: 1 Samuel 1:1–18
Dear brother and sister in our Lord Jesus Christ,
Welcome to the fold of our living God in beloved South Sudan. The God of our father Abraham, the God of our father Isaac, and the God of our father Jacob blesses this morning with grace for His chosen people in South Sudan since eternity past. I greet you in health and peace.
Beloved brethren, I am pleased to begin by pointing to this grace from the Holy Bible, as you prepare your hearts spiritually with faith and trust in God alone, who has no partner.
1 Samuel 1:1–8 says:
- There was a man from the tribe of Ephraim named Elkanah son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph. He lived in Ramathaim Zophim in the hill country of Ephraim.
- He had two wives: Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren.
- Every year, Elkanah would go from his town with his family to worship and offer sacrifices to the Lord Almighty in Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord.
- When the time came to offer the sacrifice, Elkanah would give portions to Peninnah and all her sons and daughters.
- But to Hannah, he gave a double portion because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb.
- Her rival, out of spite, provoked her severely to irritate her, because the Lord had made her barren.
- Year after year, whenever she went to the house of the Lord, Peninnah provoked her, and Hannah wept and would not eat.
- Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”
Then Hannah sought mercy from God in prayer at the Lord’s tabernacle:
1 Samuel 1:9–11
- After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the temple of the Lord.
- She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly.
- She made a vow, saying, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your servant and remember me, and not forget Your servant, but give 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.”
Also, the Bible records the conversation between Eli and Hannah at the tabernacle:
1 Samuel 1:12–18
- As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth.
- Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk.
- Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put away your wine.”
- But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the Lord.
- Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.”
- Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to Him.”
- And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
The Bible also records Hannah’s song of thanksgiving for the Lord’s miracle:
1 Samuel 2:1–4
- Hannah prayed and said, “My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies because I rejoice in Your salvation.
- There is none holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God.
- Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the Lord is the God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.
- The bows of the mighty are broken, and those who stumbled are girded with strength.”
In conclusion, beloved brethren:
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
The writer is church elder, Seventh Day Adventist and can be reached through telephone number 0981540275 or 0913360885