How can we apply the principle of dedication from 1 Samuel 1:25 today? The Heart of Hannah’s Dedication • 1 Samuel 1:25: “And when they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli.” • Hannah’s act is costly, public, and irreversible. She joyfully surrenders her long-awaited son to God’s service—trusting that the Lord who gave Samuel will also sustain him. • Her example shows that dedication flows from gratitude, obedience, and confidence in God’s faithfulness. Key Observations from 1 Samuel 1:25 • Sacrifice precedes dedication. A valuable bull is offered first (v. 25), echoing Romans 12:1. • Dedication is not private religion; the family brings Samuel “to Eli,” the spiritual leadership of the day. • Hannah fulfills a vow (v. 11, 27–28), illustrating Ecclesiastes 5:4: “When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it.” • The moment is worship (“they worshiped the LORD there,” v. 28). Dedication always points back to God’s worth. Practical Ways to Live Out Dedication Today Dedicating Our Children • Present them publicly, asking the church to partner in their spiritual growth (Luke 2:22; Mark 10:14). • Teach Scripture diligently at home (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Pray daily that each child will hear and obey God’s call, even if that leads them far from our plans. • Release control: celebrate their God-given gifts instead of engineering their future for our comfort. Dedicating Ourselves • Offer “your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1-2). • Evaluate calendars: schedule regular time alone with the Lord before filling the week with lesser tasks. • Guard purity in thought, media, and relationships (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Let every decision filter through Colossians 3:17—“Whatever you do…do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Dedicating Our Resources • Tithe cheerfully and plan beyond the tithe for generosity (Proverbs 3:9; 2 Corinthians 9:7). • View homes, cars, and hobbies as tools for hospitality and ministry, not personal kingdoms. • Budget with eternity in mind; curb debt that hinders freedom to obey God quickly. • Hold careers loosely. Promotion, relocation, or even vocational ministry may be God’s next step. Dedicating Our Gifts and Service • Identify spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11) and deploy them in the local church. • Commit to consistent, unseen service—nursery duty, facility maintenance, intercession—mirroring Hannah’s quiet faithfulness. • When recognition comes, redirect praise to the Lord like Hannah’s later song (1 Samuel 2:1-2). Guarding the Spirit of Dedication • Stay grateful: rehearse answered prayers as Hannah did (v. 27). • Stay accountable: share vows with mature believers who will ask loving follow-up. • Stay hopeful: God multiplies what is given to Him (John 6:11). • Stay humble: “The LORD rewards faithfulness” (1 Samuel 26:23) but resists pride. Encouragement to Persevere • Galatians 6:9—“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not give up.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:24—“The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” Dedication begins with a surrendered heart and results in daily choices that prove Christ’s supreme worth. Like Hannah, we can trust God to honor every gift laid on His altar and to use it for His glory and our lasting joy. |
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