Today's message introduces us to Samuel's parents, Elkanah and Hannah. Elkanah worshipped the Lord and walked in genuine obedience, evidencing his true love for God and family, even when discouraged by his wife's barrenness. Both he and Hannah modelled a faithfulness and dependence on God in the home where Samuel would be nurtured and raised. His parents' godly example greatly influenced and shaped Samuel's character, preparing him to be positioned as a leader for God's people. Our children are watching!
The theme throughout the old testament is that of the coming Messiah. We learn in today's passage that Jesus - the Messiah - came...