SERMON AUDIO: LINK
A Mother’s Day Minute:
Good morning, and Happy Mother’s Day! Before we open God’s Word together, we want to take a moment to honor the incredible gift of motherhood in all its forms. Whether you’re rocking a newborn, chasing toddlers, navigating school pick-ups and drop-offs, offering wisdom to teenagers, or counseling grown children, know that you are valued, and deeply appreciated. Your commitment, strength, and love shape lives in ways words cannot fully capture. You may not always see the fruit right away, but you are planting seeds of faith, character, and love that will last for generations. You are building something eternal.
Today we also remember the mothers who are no longer with us. Though they may be gone from this world, their legacy lives on in our lives, our values, and our memories. We give thanks for their love, and we take comfort in the hope that they are at peace in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
We also want to recognize the spiritual mothers in our church. Even if you have not raised children of your own, you have helped raise us. Through your prayers, encouragement, and presence, you have nurtured hearts, shaped faith, and reflected the love of Christ. We honor you as well.
Each of you reflects the beauty of God’s design for motherhood. Your care mirrors His compassion. Your strength reflects His faithfulness. And your influence runs deep through the life of this church. Thank you for all that you do and all that you are. May this day bring you joy, rest, and a renewed sense of how deeply loved you are, both by God and by us.
Finally, as we do each week, we take a moment to remember that we are part of a greater body of believers and we pray for one of our sister churches in the wider Goochland community. Today, we lift up Evergreen Baptist Church, asking God to strengthen their ministry and bless their worship this morning.
Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father, today we thank You for the mothers among us, women whose dedication, sacrifice, and love reflect Your own nurturing heart. Strengthen them in their daily work. Comfort those who grieve the absence of their mothers, and remind us that their legacy lives on in us. As it is written, “Her children rise up and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28). Today, we do the same, honoring the beauty of motherhood in our church family. Thank You for every faithful mother, grandmother, and mentor who has shaped us with love, prayer, and godly example.
As we open Your Word, give us ears to hear, hearts ready to respond, and courage to lead. Help us serve faithfully in our homes, in our churches, and wherever You have placed us.
We also lift up our brothers and sisters at Evergreen Baptist Church. Strengthen their fellowship in the gospel. Pour out Your Spirit on their worship today. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in every church across our community. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Scripture Reading:
Then Elkanah went home to Ramah. And the boy, Samuel, was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli the priest.
Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the LORD. The custom of the priests with the people was that when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant would come, while the meat was boiling, with a three-pronged fork in his hand, and he would thrust it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or pot. All that the fork brought up the priest would take for himself. This is what they did at Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. Moreover, before the fat was burned, the priest’s servant would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give meat for the priest to roast, for he will not accept boiled meat from you but only raw.” And if the man said to him, “Let them burn the fat first, and then take as much as you wish,” he would say, “No, you must give it now, and if not, I will take it by force.” Thus the sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the LORD, for the men treated the offering of the LORD with contempt.
Samuel was ministering before the LORD, a boy clothed with a linen ephod. And his mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “May the LORD give you children by this woman for the petition she asked of the LORD.” So then they would return to their home.
Indeed the LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel grew in the presence of the LORD.
I. Samuel’s Faithfulness vs. Eli’s Corruption (vv. 12–21)
On this Mother’s Day, we turn to a passage that may seem, at first glance, to be a strange passage for a Mother’s Day celebration. But in this chapter, we discover a striking truth: faithful parenting matters, and its absence carries consequences.
Few places in Scripture paint such a vivid contrast. On one side, we see a ministry corrupted from within. On the other, a young boy quietly growing in the presence of the Lord. One legacy is crumbling under the weight of sin. The other is rising on a foundation of obedience and trust. This is not just a tale of two ministries. It is a tale of two families, two lineages, and two kinds of spiritual leadership.
Let’s begin with Samuel. Verse 18 tells us, “Samuel was ministering before the Lord.” That phrase may sound simple, but in Hebrew, it carries priestly weight. The same language used to describe Levites serving in the tabernacle is used here to describe a child. Samuel was not pretending. He was not mimicking faith. He was ministering. Serving. Worshiping.
And that reality challenges us. In our culture, we often underestimate what children can grasp spiritually. We assume they will grow into faith later. But Scripture shows us that God starts early. He does not wait for adulthood to work in his heart. And we, too, must not wait. We are called to plant seeds of faith early and often.
But Samuel did not arrive in the house of the Lord by accident. His journey was paved by the faith and prayers of his mother. Hannah was a woman of deep desperation and even deeper devotion. She cried out to the Lord in her barrenness. She made a vow and kept it. She dedicated her son before he was born, and she followed through when the time came.
Yet she did not stop mothering. Year after year, she returned to Shiloh with a little robe, lovingly made by hand. Every stitch carried a prayer. Every trip reaffirmed her trust in God. She didn’t just say, “He is Yours.” She lived it. And God honored her faithfulness. Verse 21 says, “The Lord visited Hannah,” and she gave birth to more children, three sons and two daughters. She gave God her first, and God gave her more than she imagined.
So let me say this to every mother and spiritual parent here: do not wait. Do not wait to speak life over your children. Do not wait to open the Scriptures with them. Do not wait to pray bold prayers over their future. Samuel was wearing the ephod before he understood its weight. God honored his obedience, and He honors ours too, even when it’s small, even when it’s early.
We push our children toward achievement, and rightly so. We sign them up for sports, lessons, and leadership camps. We cheer them on, help them with homework, and prepare them for the world. But if we give them every opportunity except the gospel, if we help them succeed in life but neglect their souls, we are failing them.
Psalm 127 reminds us that children are a heritage from the Lord. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, they are meant to be sharpened, aimed, and released. We are not raising trophies. We are shaping arrows for God’s purposes. Our goal is not just success but surrender. Not just accomplishment but faithfulness.
II. Eli’s Missed Moment (vv. 22–26)
Now we come to the other side of the story. Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were not just disappointing. Scripture says, “They were worthless men. They did not know the Lord.” These were priests. Leaders. Men who abused power, exploited worshipers, and treated holy things as common.
And Eli knew. He heard the reports. He confronted them with words. But words were all he offered. He did not restrain them. He did not remove them. He did not protect the name of God, the integrity of worship, or the holiness of the sanctuary. And because he did not act, the priesthood was stained, the name of God was mocked, and judgment began with his house. This was not just parental neglect. It was spiritual failure.
Now hear this clearly. Not every prodigal is the result of failed parenting. Even faithful parents can have children who stray. But in Eli’s case, the Scriptures are plain. He had the opportunity to act, and he refused. He feared offending his sons more than he feared offending his God. And that fear cost him everything.
This may seem like a heavy message for Mother’s Day. I understand that. But the contrast is too sharp to ignore. While Eli offered soft rebukes, Hannah offered bold surrender. While Eli held onto his sons and lost them, Hannah gave her son to God and gained a legacy. Eli had position. Hannah had faith. Eli wore priestly garments. Hannah raised a prophet.
Charles Spurgeon once said of Eli, “Yes, he rebuked them. And very gently he did it, dear old man. But we should not imitate him. There are other virtues besides gentleness.” He was right. There are moments when love must be strong. When discipline is necessary. When obedience to God comes before comfort in the home.
And even in the darkness of Eli’s story, there is hope. Verse 26 shines like a candle in a cave: “The boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and also with man.” Those words are echoed later in the Gospel of Luke to describe the growth of Jesus. While corruption surrounded the priesthood, God was raising a voice. A child. A prophet. And behind him stood a mother who believed.
III. When Family Comes Before Faithfulness (vv. 27–36)
Eventually, God no longer sends warnings. He sends judgment. A prophet appears and speaks on behalf of the Lord. He reminds Eli of the honor he had received; the priestly calling, the access to God’s presence, the responsibility to lead. And then he exposes the root of Eli’s failure.
“You honored your sons more than Me.” (1 Samuel 2:29, ESvV)
That is the issue. Eli had let love become idolatry. He had confused affection with obedience. He allowed sin to flourish in the house of God because he could not bear to confront his own family.
And the verdict came: “Those who honor Me I will honor. Those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed” (1 Samuel 2:30, ESV). Eli’s house would fall. His sons would die. The priesthood would be given to another. What began as a promise ended in a warning to every generation.
Now permit me to detour for a moment to address something that weighs heavy on my heart. To any Christian parent who says, “I don’t want to force church or religion on my children” pause and consider what that really means. If you will not disciple your children, the world certainly will. If you do not teach them to bow to Christ, the culture will teach them to bow to idols; whether in the form of self, success, sexuality, or skepticism. There is no such thing as spiritual neutrality. Your children will worship someone, either the living God or the false gods of this age.
Eli’s failure was not a lack of affection for his sons. His failure was loving them more than God. He misplaced his loyalty. He honored their sin above God’s holiness. He tolerated rebellion because it wore the face of family. But God is not mocked. His mercy is vast, but not endless. When warnings go unheeded, judgment follows.
Parents, your calling is sacred. You are entrusted with immortal souls. You are not just raising children; you are shaping eternal beings, either for glory or for ruin. To neglect their spiritual training in the name of “freedom” is not kindness; it is abdication.
Scripture commands, “do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Faith is not a lifestyle option, it is a life-or-death matter. It must be written on their hearts with urgency, consistency, and love. Here what God’s Word commands: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).
So parents, I beg you, teach your children to fear the Lord. Show them the beauty of Christ. And when they wander, and they will, do not shrink back from correction. For “the Lord disciplines the one He loves” (Hebrews 12:6), and wise parents will do the same. The goal is not control, but salvation. The aim is not to raise nice children, but new creations in Christ.
But even amid the failures we witness in our passage this morning, God’s grace breaks through. The Lord declares: “I will raise up for myself a faithful priest” (1 Samuel 2:35, ESV). In the immediate context, that promise pointed forward to Zadok, the priest who would serve faithfully under David and Solomon, restoring reverence in the priesthood where Eli’s house had faltered. But ultimately, this promise stretches beyond history into eternity, it finds its true and final fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Where Eli failed, Jesus fulfilled. Where Eli turned a blind eye to sin, Jesus took sin upon Himself. Where Eli covered evil with silence, Jesus conquered evil with His blood. Eli’s sons brought shame to the sanctuary; Jesus, the true Son, brought holiness into the Most Holy Place. He is the High Priest who never compromised, the Son who always obeyed, the spotless Lamb who laid Himself down, not for His own sins, for He had none, but for ours, that we might be cleansed and reconciled to God.
And because of His perfect faithfulness, a new priesthood has been born, not of lineage or law, but of grace. In Him, we have become “a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession” (1 Peter 2:9). Our calling is not to repeat Eli’s indifference but to reflect Christ’s devotion. Through His sacrifice, we are now empowered by the Spirit to live as those who serve before the throne, bearing His name with reverence and joy.
Conclusion:
I want to conclude our sermon this morning with a word or encouragement. You may not have a platform or a title. You may not be visible to the crowd or celebrated by the culture. But if you are sowing in prayer, serving in love, and speaking truth into the next generation, your faithfulness matters.
One day, we will see it clearly. When everything is revealed, we will be amazed at how many blessings came from quiet acts of devotion. From mothers and grandmothers who prayed in silence. From spiritual mothers who stood in the gap when no one else would. From people who never preached a sermon but shaped generations through their faith.
When God begins something new, it often does not start with kings or priests. It starts with a mother on her knees. It begins with a child growing up in God’s presence. It begins with someone willing to say yes in the hidden places.
So what does that mean for us today? It means we must choose what kind of legacy we want to leave. Will we follow Eli’s passive silence or Christ’s bold obedience? Parents, hear this clearly. Your influence is real, and your voice carries weight. Like Hannah, you may not hold a position, but you have a sacred calling. You may not stand behind a pulpit, but you stand in prayer between your children and the world.
What you model during ordinary days will shape their extraordinary moments. Do not trade truth for comfort. Do not mistake gentleness for silence. This world does not need more polite religion. It needs bold and loving disciples. It needs mothers and fathers, mentors and teachers, who honor God first. Who correct in love, pray with conviction, and raise children who not only know about God but know His voice.
Let Eli’s story be a warning. Let Hannah’s life be an example. Let the obedience of Christ lead the way. Even now, in a world where altars are still defiled and compromise still spreads, God is raising up Samuels. And behind every Samuel is often a Hannah who is faithful, persistent, and surrendered, not just once, but every day.
Daily Devotionals:
On Sunday, we looked at 1 Samuel 2 and reflected on the contrast between Samuel’s faithfulness and Eli’s failure as a spiritual and parental leader. We saw how Hannah’s early and consistent dedication shaped Samuel’s life, while Eli’s passivity and unwillingness to confront his sons led to judgment on his household. The sermon reminded us that faithful parenting and spiritual leadership require courage, consistency, and obedience to God above all else. We were challenged to invest early in the spiritual lives of our children and to confront sin with truth and love. Ultimately, we were pointed to Jesus, the true and faithful High Priest, who succeeded where Eli failed and invites us into a new legacy of holiness through His grace.
Monday: A Tale of Two Houses
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:12–13
Devotional
Today’s passage opens with strong words: “Eli’s sons were worthless men; they did not know the Lord.” These were priests, men meant to lead God’s people in worship. Instead, they dishonored God and abused their roles. Their actions brought shame to the sanctuary and disruption to the community.
In contrast, we are introduced to young Samuel. He was ministering before the Lord, faithfully serving even as a child. His heart was open to God, and his life was being shaped in His presence. While corruption grew around him, Samuel was being prepared for a future of obedience and purpose.
This story reminds us that God cares more about faithfulness than title. It is possible to have religious authority and lack integrity, just as it is possible to be young and unnoticed, yet walk closely with God. The Lord is always watching for hearts that are truly His, and He delights to use those who are faithful in small things.
Reflection Questions
- What is the difference between holding a position and walking in integrity?
- How can you faithfully serve God in your current stage of life?
- Who has quietly influenced your spiritual life through consistent example?
Prayer
Father, help me to serve You with a pure heart. Teach me to value obedience over recognition and faithfulness over approval. Use my life to reflect Your character wherever I am today. Amen.
Tuesday: Faith That Starts Early
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:18–21
Devotional
Samuel’s life of service began early. Scripture tells us that even as a child, he ministered before the Lord. Each year, his mother Hannah brought him a handmade robe, a symbol of her continued love and commitment. Her prayers and her actions laid a foundation of faith that shaped Samuel’s future.
Our culture often assumes that children will grow into faith over time. But the Bible shows us that God begins His work early. Children can learn to listen, obey, and worship in ways that deeply please the Lord. Hannah did not wait until Samuel was older to invest in his spiritual life. She began right away and trusted God with the outcome.
This challenges us to take spiritual formation seriously from the start. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, or mentor, your influence matters. Your prayers, your words, and your example all point children toward the presence of God. Never underestimate what He can do through even the youngest heart.
Reflection Questions
- How can you be intentional about investing in the faith of a child?
- What practical ways can you model faith in your home or community?
- How does this passage reshape your understanding of childhood spirituality?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the example of Hannah and Samuel. Help me to plant seeds of faith in the lives of those around me. Give me patience, wisdom, and love to guide others toward You, no matter their age. Amen.
Wednesday: The Danger of Passive Parenting
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:22–25
Devotional
Eli heard what his sons were doing. He knew of their sin and abuse of their sacred role. Yet his response was limited to words without action. Though he confronted them verbally, he did not take the steps needed to protect the holiness of God’s house. This failure allowed corruption to spread unchecked.
God expects leaders to uphold His name with integrity. This is especially true within the home. Eli’s failure was not in his affection for his sons but in his unwillingness to act when action was needed. Sometimes love requires more than gentle correction. Sometimes it demands discipline, courage, and sacrifice.
Even in the midst of this failure, God’s work continued. Verse 26 tells us that Samuel continued to grow in favor with the Lord and with people. God was raising up a voice of righteousness, even as others failed. This encourages us to remain faithful and trust that God is still at work, even in dark seasons.
Reflection Questions
- Why is it important to act on truth rather than just speak it?
- Have you ever avoided confronting sin out of fear or discomfort?
- How can you lead with both love and courage in your relationships?
Prayer
God, give me the wisdom to lead with love and the strength to act when it is necessary. Help me not to grow passive or indifferent. May my life reflect Your holiness and truth in all that I do. Amen.
Thursday: When Love Becomes Idolatry
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:27–29
Devotional
God sent a prophet to Eli with a clear message. Eli had honored his sons more than he honored God. Though he had been given a sacred role and a special relationship with the Lord, he allowed sin to remain because it came from within his own family. His loyalty was misplaced.
There is a lesson here for all of us. Love is good, but when it becomes more important than obedience to God, it becomes an idol. Eli’s refusal to confront and correct his sons was not love; it was compromise. True love will do the hard work of correction and discipline when it is needed.
Parents and leaders must be careful not to confuse kindness with silence. The call to follow Christ means we must sometimes choose what is right even when it hurts. God wants our whole hearts. He asks us to honor Him above every other relationship and to trust that He will care for what we surrender to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What does it look like to honor God above all else in your life?
- Have you ever held back the truth out of fear of losing someone’s approval?
- In what ways can you renew your commitment to leading with obedience and love?
Prayer
Lord, I want to honor You above everything and everyone else. Show me where I have allowed compromise to take root. Help me to love people well by loving You first and leading others toward Your truth. Amen.
Friday: The Weight of Influence
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:30–33
Devotional
God reminded Eli that his role was one of honor. But with great responsibility comes great accountability. Because Eli failed to act, his family would lose their place of influence. His legacy would not continue, not because of a single mistake, but because of ongoing neglect and disobedience.
All of us carry influence, whether we realize it or not. People watch how we live, listen to what we say, and notice how we respond to both success and struggle. Our choices, whether public or private, shape others. When we use our influence for God’s purposes, He multiplies our efforts. When we waste it, we miss the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
But there is still hope. God is always working, even when others fall short. He continues to raise up those who are willing to do His will. When we live with humility, obedience, and faithfulness, we can be part of His greater plan to bring renewal and truth into our homes and communities.
Reflection Questions
- How are you currently using your influence for God’s purposes?
- Is there an area of your life where you need to take more responsibility as a leader?
- How can you live in a way that helps others grow in their faith?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the influence You have entrusted to me. Help me to carry it with humility and purpose. Let my life point others toward You and bring honor to Your name. Amen.
Saturday: A Faithful Priest, A Greater Hope
Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:34–36
Devotional
God concluded His message to Eli with a promise. Though Eli’s house would fall, God would raise up a faithful priest. This new leader would serve according to what was in God’s heart and mind. In the immediate future, this pointed to Zadok. In the ultimate sense, it pointed to Jesus Christ.
Where Eli failed, Jesus succeeded. He did not excuse sin; He bore it on the cross. He did not hide the truth; He spoke it with love. Jesus became the perfect High Priest who brings us into the presence of God. Because of His obedience, we are now invited to live as a royal priesthood, set apart for His glory.
This is the hope that changes everything. No matter your past, no matter your mistakes, Christ offers a new beginning. In Him, you are called, chosen, and equipped to live with purpose. Let His faithfulness shape your own. Let His sacrifice give you strength to walk in obedience and joy.
Reflection Questions
- How does Jesus fulfill the promise of a faithful priest?
- What does it mean for you to be part of a royal priesthood today?
- How can you reflect Christ’s faithfulness in your everyday life?
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for being the faithful High Priest. Thank You for giving me a new identity and a new purpose. Help me to live in the power of Your grace and to walk in Your truth every day. Amen.
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