Historically, this is the time of the Judges and there was no open vision from God at this time. In the midst of this we find a woman who prays for a man child, is granted her request and then Samuel begins to speak to the people about God once again. Note that she both asked and requested of the Lord, and that she also kept her vow that she made to the Lord when granted her desire.

We can feel the plight of Hannah as she was not able to conceive. Alcana's family was far from perfect (polygamy, etc.) Hannah was taunted day after day and PRAYS in the midst of utter darkenss for a child sorrowfully. She prays for a son out of the bitterness of her soul. The Lord then answers her request and blesses her with a child. Note, that even today, as back then, children are RECIEVED OF THE LORD! Children are a gift from God, received from His hand, and are prayed for. They are NOT biological byproducts, BUT gifts from God Himself. (Like in Ezekiel..."MY children who are being born, slain, and offered...") Is this our prayer? Do we stand before the face of the Almighty Lord and have the same commitment of our children to the Lord? (Even into eternity.) This is the gathering of that KINGDOM!! This IS baptism! We ask the Lord for children, are given them, and we give them to the Lord! (Our baptism responsibility here!) It speaks to the parents as the sign and seal of the covenant in the line of continued generations. Both blessing and vow!

But how are we going to keep these vows? Who are we? Are we not a distinct people? We are GOD'S people and that's our outlook in this life. We are sanctified in this world as we seek the Kingdom, the glory we envision! Are we horizontal when we deal with our children, or do we teach them to aspire to that ETERNAL Kingdom with us?! All the other things, though important, are NOT significant.

Hannah weaned and brought her son to the temple. Toward sanctification we also deal with our children. Ezekiel asked "Why do you sacrifice my children to Molek?!" We TOO can sacrifice our children to the world and the things of this world. We must 1) teach them diligently and 2) talk about the precepts in the home, by the way, and be busy populating Heaven into all Eternity! We cannot afford to let our world teach OUR children! It BEGINS with the Word of God and talking to your children about your vows and responsibility. How can your compromise Christian education after making baptism vows? To the best of your ability! Barring NOTHING! The Catechism puts it beautifully. "Teach your children faithfully and illustrate the bounties of God's Grace!"

We MUST all be FAITHFUL to the means that God uses to save His people.

Children, weakest means fulfill His will for your!