Our God!

Our God!

“There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:2 NIV

The Context and Focus:

Hannah had a rough time early in her marriage. She was one of two wives, but she had no child. Her rival mocked her ceaselessly, reminding her of her state. There was, however, a practice she kept, even when things were not happening at the time she needed them to happen, and this was her faithful commitment to going to the temple of the Lord at Shiloh. She was hurting, but she would travel all the way there, cry and refuse to eat, but she would go. As I also wait for the manifestation of all that God has promised, and which I believe God is able to do, what are the habits and practices I have maintained? Do I seek opportunities for fellowship with other believers, or am I just looking out for myself, throwing self-pity parties all around? I learn from the life of Hannah that it is only in God's presence that I can appreciate who He is, what He has done and given, and the amazing things He can do. How would I know more about God if I do not draw near to where he says he can be found? 

The Message:

Even though Hannah was coming year after year to Shiloh, she didn't immediately get what she wanted. It took time, but eventually, when she made the prayer that touched the heart of God, she got all she asked for, and even more. God was already looking for someone to take over after the prophet Eli, because God could not commit the work of priests into the hands of Eli's sons. They were called children of Belial, terrible boys who treated the offerings the people brought to God's house as offerings. In fact, as the priest's sons, they were abusing their position and privilege to commit terrible sins. Why do I come to the house of God? Do I take time to ask God to lead me to where he would have me serve, or who he would want me to minister to? I must always remember that whenever I come before the Lord, I am coming before a great God and an awesome father, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He is not one to be toyed with, because He is both the Lion and the Lamb. He can rend to pieces but he can also heal and deliver. 

The Conclusion:

This is the God Hannah knew, and the same one she introduces to us today. This is the one who introduces Himself as holy to all who would come to Him. Holiness is the key to access this kingdom, and without it, God makes it clear that no man shall see Him. He stands alone in that regard, and no one else can measure up to Him. He cannot be compared with any earthly lord or any spiritual power, because He reigns and rules as the Supreme Being over all that my eyes can or cannot see. He is also called the Rock of Ages because, long before the earth stood, he has been God. He is dependable, reliable and trustworthy. Being called the Rock also means that there are no worthy variants. There can only be one original. These are the attributes of God that Hannah experienced, and she could talk about it. What of me? Do I have any personal encounters to share with people? Is God this real to me, or is all I know about Him what other people say about Him?  Nothing beats personal experience. Seek God today; he wants to be known in all the earth. God's time of favour is here.