Saturday, October 14
What's Yours Is Mine
Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Kace Leetch from Clergy Stuff.
It wasn't uncommon for people to sing praises to God for God's mighty deeds. Hannah was no exception. Her praise lauded the many amazing and powerful things God had done for her. Interestingly, her praise also came to pass, as her son, Samuel, would grow up to fulfill many of the things she sang about. He grew to be a prophet for God, a voice for God. He also grew to help choose and anoint the kings that would rule over Israel for decades. While Hannah praised God for God's mighty hand and radical justice, her own son would help to fulfill God's covenant with God's people.
They say that the things we find the most irritating about people are often the things we also do ourselves, but are too close to it to see it clearly. I think the opposite is also true. The things we find most endearing and lovable about other people are the qualities we possess, but may be too close to see it. What do you love most about other people? Is it possible those are qualities you also possess? Love yourself for them. You are just as deserving of your love as anybody else.
Narrative Lectionary Text: 1 Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in my victory. “There is no Holy One like the Lord, no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry are fat with spoil. The barren has borne seven, but she who has many children is forlorn. The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low, he also exalts. 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. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world. “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness; for not by might does one prevail. The Lord! His adversaries shall be shattered; the Most High will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king, and exalt the power of his anointed.”