It might seem strange to us that a parent or anyone for that matter could make such a big decision over a person’s life as Hannah does here for Samuel. But it shouldn’t seem strange because it happens all the time. Many of the expectations and values that determine our lives are inherited from our parents. It is quite common for people to live their lives striving to achieve certain goals without knowing why. They live with a sense that unless they achieve these goals their lives are somehow invalidated. These expectations and values can come from many sources, but, whatever the source, many people find themselves bound to expectations without really thinking about whether these expectations are right. Only God has the right to determine how people should live and the goals they should live for. When we take on agendas that are not those of God, we will inevitably find ourselves burdened and oppressed because we were not made for any other purpose than God’s. Freedom is living the way you were made to live and for the goals you were made to live for. So, if a parent dedicates a child to the service of God, isn’t this a good thing? If you are a parent, it is important that you be conscious of what values and expectations your child stands to inherit from you. If you have inherited expectations that are not of God, don’t blame anyone, that will not help. Give yourself to God’s agenda and stop serving these other burdensome goals.
Whose expectations are you living to fulfil? Dedicate yourself and your family to God’s agenda.
Read 1 Samuel 1:21-28 and Matthew 11:28-30
