Another thing I noticed from Hannah’s story is her amazing sacrifice. Can you imagine going through your entire life, just wanting one thing. All you can think about is that one thing. It haunts your dreams and your waking thoughts. It is your heart’s desire. It is the one thing in life that you think will make you complete. But upon finally getting it after years of hoping, you have give it right back. You barely have time to enjoy it before returning it to the place where you got it. That is the story of Hannah. She finally received what she had longed for—this child. And after he was weaned, she gave him back to God for His service. That is an unbelievable picture of sacrifice.
Mothers are asked to sacrifice quite a bit for the sake of their children. Mothers are willing to lose precious sleep time, their pre-pregnancy figures, often their careers, sometimes even their dreams and aspirations. And they willingly do it for the sake of their children. That picture of sacrifice that Hannah displayed and that many mothers display is the picture of our relationship in the church. Being a part of the body of Christ, being committed to one another takes sacrifice. But this church is built on the sacrifices that have been made by those who have gone before us.
Hebrews 13:15-16 reads: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
You don’t need to be a mother to display sacrificial love. There are many in this congregation who have been spiritual mothers through their influence and teaching. There are many who have given time, money, encouragement, and more for the sake of the kingdom. Carrie and I especially being so far from our families have felt the love that people have poured out. And we do these things because we are united not by blood lines, but by the blood of the Lamb. When we as mothers, or fathers, or children, or neighbors, or friends display sacrificial love, we are merely taking after Jesus’ example and fulfilling His wish that we “feed His sheep.” Our sacrifices will leave a heritage for those who follow after us.
God blessed Hannah with a wonderful son, and an even larger family because her heart was following after God’s. Her faith and sacrifice not just as a mother, but as a worshipper stands as an inspiration for us all.
Thank you Lord for our mothers. We remember today those women who have displayed their loving care and their ceaseless love for us. May we show them by our gifts, our words, and our actions that we love them and care about them too.
God I pray for those who have experienced heartache over motherhood. Whether they have lost a mother, been estranged from a mother, or who have struggled with the inability to be a mother, I pray you instill a peace in them that returns their faith to you. You have the power of healing and restoration in your hand. I pray you extend that hand to the hurting among us.
God we thank you for the family of the church. May we know your blessing and strength as we care for others. Through your mighty name we pray, Amen.
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