How does 1 Samuel 1:3 demonstrate the importance of regular worship practices? A snapshot of faithful routine: 1 Samuel 1:3 “Year after year Elkanah would go up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD.” Key observations from the verse • Year-after-year rhythm: worship wasn’t occasional—it was built into the calendar • Purposeful travel: Elkanah left home and comforts to reach God’s appointed place • God-centered focus: worship and sacrifice were directed “to the LORD of Hosts,” not personal preference • Unshaken by flawed leaders: even with Hophni and Phinehas ministering corruptly (1 Samuel 2:12–17), Elkanah still obeyed God’s command to gather Why consistent worship matters • Obedience: God required regular festival attendance (Deuteronomy 16:16) • Spiritual renewal: repeated sacrifices reminded the family of grace and covenant • Family discipleship: children witnessed godly priorities in action (see 1 Samuel 1:21–28) • Community strength: gathering at Shiloh united tribes around shared faith and identity • Personal perseverance: regular worship anchored Elkanah amid domestic tension (Hannah’s barrenness, Peninnah’s taunts) Living it out today – Make corporate worship non-negotiable; schedule other activities around it – Prepare intentionally—travel, rest, offerings, attitudes—so gatherings honor God – Stay faithful even if leaders disappoint; the call to worship comes from God Himself – Include the whole household, modeling joyful participation rather than mere duty – Use the church calendar (Lord’s Day, communion, special services) to mark time with worship Scriptures echoing this pattern • Psalm 84:1–2 “...My soul longs...for the courts of the LORD.” • Luke 4:16 “[Jesus] went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, as was His custom.” • Acts 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship...” • Hebrews 10:24–25 “Let us consider how to spur one another on...not neglecting to meet together.” Regular, deliberate worship—modeled by Elkanah—remains essential for honoring God, nurturing faith, and strengthening His people. |
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