“Giving your best to God” sounds cliché, but is a reoccurring theme throughout Scripture. Several examples include, Abraham offering his son Isaac (Genesis 22), David dancing before the Lord with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14), the widow who placed two small copper coins into the offering box (Luke 21:1-4), and Mary of Bethany who anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive ointment (John 12:3).When these events occur in Scripture, those who give are sometimes questioned and/or criticized by onlookers, but blessed by God. Author Warren Wiersbe affirmed, “When you give your best to the Lord, it’s not unusual to be criticized by people who ought to encourage you.” He, however, also asserted that these acts are, “…commended by the Lord.” An example of this is Christ’s response to the widow’s offering in Luke 21:3-4. He says, “This poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Yesterday I told the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. She made a promise to God that if He would give her a son, she would give her son back to God all the days of her sons life. It is difficult to read this story and not question Hannah’s promise. If she greatly wants a child, why would she turn around and give the child up? The answer is given in next chapter. After Hannah gives her son to the Lord she does not go off to be by herself and sulk, but offers a song of thanksgiving. Why? Because giving God ones best brings great joy.
I told our kids that you can always entrust God with your most prized possession. This is easier to do when one realizes that all things belong to Him and that giving them to God brings joy. Many have criticized people for making sacrifices because they have failed to grasp the estimate of God’s worth. When one realizes this, they will consider nothing too costly to give to God. 1 Samuel 2 validates Hannah's understanding of God’s worth. She does not hesitate to give her son back to God because she knows her son is left in the care of the one true God who is holy and sovereign and who faithfully cares for His own (2:9).
Another reason there is great joy in giving ones prized possession to God is the fact that he can use anyone or anything for His glory. As one reads about the rest of Samuel’s ministry, they discover that he was not only cared for, but played an important part in God’s redemptive story. He is remembered as a great leader of Israel. He worked as a judge, prophet, and priest. During King Saul’s wicked reign, Samuel also anointed David who was Jesus’ ancestor and became one of Israel’s greatest rulers.
Wiersbe, Warren. 1 Samuel. The Exposition Commentary. Colorado Springs: Cook Communication Ministries, 209.
