27th May 2024
The hands that rocked the cradles…
This is the sixteenth study in a series of studies about shadows in scripture
…the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. Revelation 13:8 (NIV)
The mothers of Samuel and Jesus are where these two men are drawn together – both being ‘commissioned’ before they were born, and even before they were conceived. Hannah, having prayed for a child, promised to dedicate him to the Lord if her prayer was answered. Her desperation for a child didn’t echo Mary’s emotions, for whom pregnancy was an unplanned surprise. But in the same way, Mary’s son was dedicated from before his birth for the purpose outlined by Simeon when he prayed over the infant Jesus, “For my eyes have seen Your salvation. Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,…” (Luke 2:30-31 NKJV)
Samuel became aware of God’s purpose for him when he was still a young child and he heard God calling him in the temple (1 Samuel 3:7-8). Perhaps it was the same with the young child Jesus – a still quiet voice in the night that began to outline who he was and his purpose on earth. We know that by the time he was twelve he was aware of that purpose when he was found by his parents in the temple being ‘about his Father’s business’ (Luke 2:49).
But to return to the mothers – they both sang songs of praise as a response to their pregnancies. Mary’s is found in Luke 1:46-55 and Hannah’s in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Both songs begin by praising the same God: “My soul magnifies the Lord,” and “My heart rejoices in the Lord”. (Luke 1:47, 1 Samuel 2:1). Then both songs take on a more disruptive tone, a turning upside down of the world order: Mary says, “He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty,” (Luke 1:52-53). Mary then puts the child’s birth into the context of the Abrahamic covenant, in whom all people are blessed. (Galatians 3:8). Hannah’s song included the same theme when she celebrated that: “The bows of the mighty men are broken, And those who stumbled are girded with strength.” (1 Samuel 2:4). Hannah concludes by looking forward to God’s rulership on the earth: “The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king…” (v.10).
These are prophetic revolutionary songs in the mouths of women who had very little standing in public life. Hannah gave birth to a man who was Israel’s judge and prophet, and who anointed the kingly line that led from King David to Jesus. Mary gave birth to the ultimate judge, the prophet that Israel was waiting for, and the King of kings.
Prayer
Let our spirits rejoice in God our Saviour. In His name, Amen.
Study by Maggie Mitchell
About the writer:
Maggie Mitchell attends the Market Harborough congregation of Grace Communion International
Local congregation:
GCI Market Harborough
9 The Point
Rockingham Road
Market Harborough
LE16 7QU
Meeting time:
Sunday 4.00 pm
Local congregational contact:
Sinead Henderson
Email: sinead.henderson@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church