He Gave

 

For God so loved the world that He gave

His only begotten Son,

that whoever believes in Him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

I love the biblical story of Hannah, found at the beginning of the first book of Samuel.  Hannah was happily married to Elkanah, even though he was also married to Peninnah.  The fly in the ointment of her life was the fact that she apparently could not conceive children. 

This poor woman had to put up with Elkanah “comforting her” by proclaiming, Why are you downhearted?  Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?”  Her co-wife constantly flaunted her ability to provide children for the family when Hannah could not.  The Bible says, “This went on year after year.”  If that was not bad enough, when she went to the Temple to open her heart up to the Lord about her childless condition, the high priest accused her of being drunk!

Hannah made a vow that if God honored her request for a son, she would give the child back to the Lord for His service.  God granted her request through the birth of little Samuel.  She nurtured and loved that boy until he was four years old.  Then Hannah did the unbelievable:  She kept her promise and gave Samuel to the high priest to serve God and His people.  Her story is a harbinger of the Father’s own gift of His Son to serve and save His people.

For God so loved the world He gave His only Son

To die on Calvary, from sin to set me free.

Some day He's coming back - what glory that will be!

Wonderful His love to me.