Monthly Archives: November 2013

A Frank Talk About Giving – An Apology and An Opportunity

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ZMost Youth Camp in Novokonstantinovka, Ukraine

ZMost Youth Camp in Novokonstantinovka, Ukraine. Shoreline Ministries and Refiner’s Fire team up with This Side Outreach

Shoreline Ministries has a “Donate” button on this blog. You can find it when you click on the “Shoreline Ministry Partners & Donations” tab. In all sincerity, we have hesitated to put this button on our page. It is not that we are opposed to gifts for the ministry. In fact, without past gifts, this ministry would not have gotten to where it is and, quite frankly, we will not be able to survive long without folks who give financial resources to keep Shoreline moving forward in its mission to strengthen and encourage local ministries all over the world and specifically in the United States on a regular basis. We have already been able to do that, so far, because of your gifts and the generous contributions that folks have made at Refiner’s Fire concerts, either buying tickets to support our ministry and their churches ministry, or through giving in a free-will offering to cover Refiner’s Fire costs.

However, after 30+ years in ministry to the local church, I have grown quite aware of ministers and ministries that live at a level of affluence that contradicts the humility of Christ. I’m not talking about basic needs, and certainly not talking about owning homes, cars, etc… as these are a basic part of ministry in this country. What I am talking about is lavishness in personal lifestyle and organizations so large that they hire workers at minimum wage to perform menial tasks, while the leaders live the lifestyles of the rich and famous…which is Paul’s description of how the “Gentiles” or non-believers treat each other.

Therefore, I have hesitated, probably far too long, to give our friends and those who are interested in this ministry a chance to give on a regular basis and keep us moving forward. I have mistakenly stood on Ezra chapter 8 and said that I am embarrassed to ask for help because I have told everyone that God will provide. Yet I closed up one of God’s conduits for provision beyond the Refiner’s Fire concerts and their income. I now realize that I shut the door to the very source that He uses to sustain ministries; those that exalt Him through their personal giving financially. For this, I apologize to my family, who have had to endure more hardship than was probably necessary, all because of a very carnal pride that Craig Harris takes in making do with what he has and thinking that it was wrong to make a general statement about giving. I also apologize to those who have given, because I have failed to open the door wide enough to compliment their gifts of love with those of other like minded people who may not know about the work of Shoreline Ministries first hand. Though, like Elijah, I have poured water on my altar, soaking the stones and wood to prove to the world God’s faithfulness; unlike Elijah I have hidden the sacrifice and just left the altar itself.

Nancy and I have invested everything that we have into Shoreline Ministries. Work, energy and all financial resources that were available to us, including the pensions from our previously held secular jobs. It has not been enough to cover all of the basic needs. We never really thought it would be, but we also were not ready for an environment that has seen us personally contact over 2800 churches with less than 8% responding either positively or negatively for a concert or even a discussion about ministry opportunities that we could work on together. (As a Pastor, this concerns me deeply about the core attitudes of our churches, as well as the whole Gospel music industry, but that is another topic for another day.) We have not “waited” for the money to minister, rather we have gone out and ministered with the gifts God has already given us and up to this point, God has provided through friends of our ministry who became aware of the additional needs. There are only two Biblical examples where men had everything they needed at the beginning of their task. Samson and Solomon. (Also another topic for another day.)

I think my realization came when we arrived home this past week, gas tank close to empty in the coach and gas tank empty in our Ford Explorer in the garage. This most recent trip had seen me under our coach so much I had thought I was back to my younger days where I always carried the tool box in my cars because I could never usually afford a mechanic. When we retrieved our mail there was a $20 gift that someone had left for us in one of the churches we were at and the next day, in order to be faithful, Nancy went and mailed off $20 in tithe to a ministry, in honor of another gift that someone had given and then gave our last $5 cash to another congregation to complete the tithe off of God’s provision. As I write this we have less than $15 in all of our bank accounts combined. The next event for Refiner’s Fire is the 22nd of December and we are privileged to worship, that day, with two congregations; one a recent church plant and that evening with the church that birthed the plant. That is our entire expected income from Refiner’s Fire work for the month of December. Shoreline Ministries can no longer operate without some other source of income. This means that we either lay Shoreline and Refiner’s Fire aside again, or that God has another relationship, (or several) that He wishes to use for His glory in keeping us moving forward.

I have begun the task of looking for additional work, labor or whatever, to keep the family safe and fed, and to meet the mountain of obligations that have piled up while we have attempted to get the ministry on an even footing. Utilities, house payment, and debts for our Coach (the only tool that we are in debt for) to further the work of the ministry, are all in a critical state.

We praise God for the Coach, because without it we would never have been able to afford motels and restaurant bills during our recent tour. Yet, while the Coach has been a faithful servant, it has also been used at a level that is beyond what it was designed for. (Very similar to most of my instruments. This, of course, is brought to my attention, quite often, by Jake who also says my voice was never meant to be heard by human ears). Regardless, this means that our budget must include some very important regular maintenance that must be done, but I have neither the tools, nor the expertise to perform all of it. The need is greater than our ability to meet at this present time.

My personal and permanent goal, is to honor the Lord by keeping my family safe. I have done a marginal job at that. However, my other goal is not mine alone, but that of my wife, my son, and many others who struggle day in and day out to change their world for Jesus sake, in Jesus name. That goal is to glorify God by representing Him well with the gifts and talents that He has given us, to make our bodies a living sacrifice to Him. For Craig and Nancy Harris this means ministering through encouragement, both works and exhortation, to local ministries and congregations who are also fulfilling this purpose. Shoreline’s key verse is found at the end of the Gospel of John.

John 21:4 4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

The Disciples had chosen to go work in that uncertain period between the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ, and Jesus came to encourage and direct them in their immediate and their long term efforts. He gave a little advice, then He had breakfast waiting for them, (comfort) followed by words of encouragement (exhortation). Yet in the process He never made a fuss about His identity, He just was there when they needed Him. Shoreline is dedicated to this principle, representing Jesus without making too much notice of ourselves, but focusing on the needs at hand and the work that you are doing for Him. That is why we went out and why we will continue this ministry at all costs to our own comfort.

I give you all of that background to make these statements about giving to Shoreline financially. If you have given, or now choose to give financially to Shoreline Ministries, know that we are very grateful for your support. Even with the prospect of other employment upon me (along with the fact that it would seem to be a hindrance to the ministry itself) we are determined to continue in God’s providence. God does speak through the support of others and I have foolishly been skeptical and fearful of gifts that would “taint” our ministry or place us under obligation that would take energy from this important work, but subsequently also held back the gifts of the faithful, unless they were close enough to us personally to know about the struggles. At the same time, my commitment to my family is paramount. That is God’s demand of me, one I willfully and joyfully embrace. If God does not want Shoreline to exist, He will provide the answer in time. Perhaps He is providing it now and will reveal it through circumstances.

Should the Lord place upon your heart to give to Shoreline Ministries one time or as a continuing gift, your gift will sustain these activities, whether it provides support for a small church, local compassionate ministry or even a specific program in a larger congregation. Your gift allows us to take the time to find these opportunities, as we contact all of you one at a time, instead of hiring a telemarketer or promoter to do our work. Your gift also keeps Refiner’s Fire performing and ministering to churches that would otherwise never hear a quality Gospel music presentation in their facility and subsequently never receive the encouragement to keep loving people in Jesus name for Jesus’ sake. Your gift is supplemented by all finances received back into Shoreline, through Refiner’s Fire, the sale of all reading materials and music distribution, both through Refiner’s Fire Concerts and through our websites for MALKRDB Publishing and Sirrah Productions, as well as through all work done through Notations Music Studio and Sirrah Productions. Your gift is also supplemented by the gifts of other people, such as yourself, who decide that it is important to keep Shoreline functioning at full capacity.

Our pledge to you is that, beyond basic expenses to stay solvent, the souls working with Shoreline Ministries, or any other part of The Sirrah Group will live at a modest level, reflecting Godly values, not indulging in excessive luxuries that fail to represent Christ well. We will always be ready to give, even when it hurts. All those who join with us for active work will be asked and expected to live at the same standard, that of representing the Savior well. While we do not stand in judgment of others, we do stand in constant review of ourselves through God’s Word. Your gift will represent Christ’s love, given through your obedience, and we will treat it and use it as such. Our life is intertwined this ministry and we are not working to build up our retirement by “making it big” in the music industry. If God wills, we would prefer to never stop working for Him, but continue, with every breath we take, to tell others about His love and work beside them to show it in practice as well as encouraging them to do the same.

One final note. If you are feeling God speak to you about giving to this ministry, we ask that you are obedient to Him, not to our perceived need. If He says give $1, give it. If He says give $10,000, give it. If He says, “pass on this, I need you to give elsewhere”, then pass on the financial gift and instead lift us up with your prayers, while not neglecting the other ministry financially. If He says, “give them a call”, please do. We encourage you to give generously, to whomever you choose, as God leads.

It is not “essential” that Shoreline Ministries survives. The amount that it takes to keep Shoreline viable is not a large one, because we live frugally and also do not expect or try to solve “problems” with money alone, but we often find ways to get the job done with limited resources. On the other hand, it is “essential” that we all obey Him in our respective tasks. As such, we will endeavor to live in obedience, whether singing, playing, working on a project with you, preaching or teaching. We have given our lives and will continue to do so, depending solely on God’s provision, in whatever form it takes. That is a more appropriate interpretation of Ezra. I like to sing the Keith Green song, occasionally and I use it now to explain my attitude about all of this.

“I pledge my head to Heaven, for the Gospel, and I ask no man on earth to fill my need. Like the sparrow up above, I am enveloped by His love and I trust Him like those little ones He feeds.” Keith Green 1953-1982

Ezra 8:21-23 21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. 22 For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. 23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

God bless you and, whether you give financially or not, please keep us in your prayers as we seek God’s will in these crucial times for Shoreline Ministries. Know that we love and appreciate all of our family and friends, and this love is not determined by your gifts to us, but rather is compelled in our hearts by the love of our Savior, Who died for all mankind to set us free from the power of sin and death and brings us into everlasting life with Him.

May Jesus Christ be praised,
Craig Harris

A Study in Kings Part 3 – The Prayer and The Priest

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1st Samuel 1 – The Prayer and The Priest – “A Tale of Two Hearts”
In the course of a complete basketball season we can watch teams develop from the early days of practice through until the championship series is completed and a team is crowned the champion for that year. Over the course of many years a team might even make repeat trips, successfully, to the championship bracket and come away with the trophy many times. The Boston Celtics of the 1960’s was such a team. With their Center Bill Russell, Guards Bob Cousy and John Havlicek, and a host of other players, all committed to the team cause, the Celtics were always the team to beat, until the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Now, the Celtics weren’t the most gifted team in the NBA physically and they certainly didn’t have the most intelligent players, or the most inventive coach. However, when you put all of the ingredients of a team together you will find, over and over again, an undivided heart amongst the Celtic players and staff. The team was their ultimate focus. It wasn’t that there were no conflicts or dissensions, but it was always the team that won out in the hearts of the players. Both athletes and coaching staff judged themselves and each other by that standard.

“So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest was sitting upon his seat by the door-post of the temple of Jehovah. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto Jehovah, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O Jehovah of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thy handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thy handmaid, but wilt give unto thy handmaid a man-child, then I will give him unto Jehovah all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. And it came to pass, as she continued praying before Jehovah, that Eli marked her mouth. Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? Put away thy wine from thee. And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit:I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I poured out my soul before Jehovah. Count not thy handmaid for a wicked woman; for out of the abundance of my complaint and my provocation have I spoken hitherto. Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace; and the God of Israel grant thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, Let thy handmaid find favor in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat; and her countenance was no more sad.” 1st Samuel 1:9-18

It is not an accident that Hannah turned to Jehovah to solve her problem. She knew that, in the end, God’s favor was the only favor that mattered. She also knew that God had delivered Israel by allowing them to walk across the Red Sea on dry ground. She believed God heard and God would respond to her as He willed. She had probably heard the same stories that Elkanah (her husband), Peninnah (her “co-wife” and nemesis) and Eli (her priest) had heard, but she took them to her heart and held on to her faith with a dogged conviction. It was a conviction that was so deep that she decided that if God would grant her desire, she would consider that good and give the child that she bore back to Him.

Now all of you arm-chair psychologists can argue with me about environments, circumstances and all of those “external” forces that shape our opinions, citing that Hannah may have had better education, a more spiritual parentage, or something else that made her more inclined to trust Jehovah than her contemporaries. The only reason I can think of to do this would be to undermine the intensity of her faith, her choice to trust God and somehow excuse the others because of a poor environment. I only bring this up because my indictment of the others is rather strong in this short discussion.

Nevertheless, Hannah believed Jehovah, poured out her heart to Him and then offered a sacrifice of praise before she had even received the result of her petition. For all of you “old-timers”, like me, we call that “praying through.” Hannah laid her burden at the feet of Jehovah until she received a witness in her spirit and then she got up from her prayers, a renewed and refreshed woman.

The incredible part of this story, to me, is Eli. Here is the man of God. The man who is responsible for the spiritual welfare of the nation. He has been appointed as a servant of God and, in many ways, has carried out his tasks faithfully. Yet he mistakenly believes that Hannah’s righteous prayer is the mutterings of a drunken woman. He must obviously be used to people who pray out loud so that he can hear their prayers. Do you suppose people often prayed what Eli wanted to hear? Was Eli used to his position, so much, that he failed to recognize the move of the Holy Spirit versus a counterfeit spirituality? He mistook spiritual fervor for a carnal activity.

Now Eli’s sons knew all about carnal activity at Shiloh and Eli knew about his sons. He allowed them to continue in their activity, but did nothing to stop them.

“Now the sons of Eli were base men; they knew not Jehovah. And the custom of the priests with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was boiling, with a flesh- hook of three teeth in his hand; and he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the flesh- hook brought up the priest took therewith. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither. Yea, before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have boiled flesh of thee, but raw. And if the man said unto him, They will surely burn the fat first, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would say, Nay, but thou shalt give it me now:and if not, I will take it by force. And the sin of the young men was very great before Jehovah; for the men despised the offering of Jehovah.” 1st Samuel 2:12-16

As we jump just a little ahead in the story, we find out that Eli has been operating with a divided heart for some time. His sons are more important than the integrity of his office. His sons, for whatever reason, are of a higher priority than Jehovah, in his life. Before we get too hard on Eli, let’s pop forward a few centuries to Jerusalem.

“And when the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speaking in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying, Behold, are not all these that speak Galilaeans? And how hear we, every man in our own language wherein we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, in Judaea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our tongues the mighty works of God. And they were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, What meaneth this? But others mocking said, They are filled with new wine.” Acts 2:1-13

Now many received Christ as their Savior, that day, but the general state of the crowds was astonishment and then mistaken judgements on what was happening. Want more examples of a divided heart? The Bible is full of them. While scripture has the hall of faith in Hebrews 11, it is replete with the “hall of the divided heart”.

Eli was on the cusp of his demise and the child that Hannah was praying for would be his very own replacement. Perhaps, at that moment, his personal tempter was trying to divert him and cause him to discourage Hannah. Yet, her encouragement was not truly dependent on Eli, it was based on God; and at the very moment when Eli is led to rebuke Hannah for drunkenness, just like in Acts, God intervenes and gives Hannah the words to set the old Judge of Israel straight on what is really going on.

It is very important to recognize the difference between sincere abandonment to God and religious platitudes that mimic a deep spirituality, but in the end are carnally based on self interest. God is gracious and allows the latter to still be swayed by Spirit filled believers, if for no other reason than for a reprieve from eventual destruction. Yet, their prayers and requests, their behaviors are suspect and God has to work around them and adjust for their lack of sincere devotion to Him.

In the times of the Old Testament we see that grace still allows these individuals with a divided heart to thrive and carry on the work of God, for a time while God implements an alternative plan. Prior to Hannah and Eli we have the story of Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, Moses and the children of Israel, Joshua and Caleb versus the other ten who brought back a bad report from Canaan. Gideon had a divided heart, shown by his creation of an idol from the gold he acquired after destroying the Midianite aggression. Yet all of these cases show that a price is paid, a very heavy price, for those who are “forced” into the will of God rather than seeking out God Himself to do His will.

To close this discussion, we will look at the results of Hannah’s prayer and Eli’s divided heart. First we see Hannah get up from her time of prayer, and discussion with Eli, bearing a “changed countenance.”

“Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace; and the God of Israel grant thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, Let thy handmaid find favor in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat; and her countenance was no more sad.” 1 Samuel 1:17,18

I know that Hannah also gives birth to Samuel and completes her vow, but look at what happens to the surrendered heart that has prayed through. Before the physical answer comes, the peace that passes understanding visits the heart of the faithful one. She isn’t given a guarantee beyond Eli’s blessing, which is not a promise to fulfill her request. He is basically saying, “I’ll pray for you.” That is not where her comfort comes from. The comfort comes from the witness in her heart when she explains to Eli why she is there and then from the knowledge of her promise to God that what He gives, she will give back.

Eli, on the other hand, has no response but what would be considered a kindly blessing on the lady. However, his results are far darker than the polite exchange appears to suggest. Move forward in time, with everyone remaining of the same heart, that is Hannah keeping her word and delivering Samuel to Eli as unto the Lord’s service and Eli continuing to scold, but not interfere with his sons.

“And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Did I reveal myself unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in bondage to Pharaoh’s house? and did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up unto mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire? Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation, and honorest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? Therefore Jehovah, the God of Israel, saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever:but now Jehovah saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” 1st Samuel 2:27-30

You might say, “That was Eli’s sons, not Eli. Why should he be responsible for their behavior as adults?” Look closely at this phrase and then fast forward again with me:

Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation, and honorest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?

“And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day, with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head. And when he came, lo, Eli was sitting upon his seat by the wayside watching; for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out. And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, What meaneth the noise of this tumult? And the man hasted, and came and told Eli. Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were set, so that he could not see. And the man said unto Eli, I am he that came out of the army, and I fled to- day out of the army. And he said, How went the matter, my son? And he that brought the tidings answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken. And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that Eli fell from off his seat backward by the side of the gate; and his neck brake, and he died:for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.” 1st Samuel 4:12-18

Eli had a divided heart. He bore the physical evidence of it. When my heart is divided there will be tell-tales. They usually come in the form of excuses, self justifications and sometimes mockery of those who are more obedient than I. In today’s world, the enemy has done a great job of using fellow christians to mock, find excuses to water down absolute Lordship for Jesus and justify itself in allowing sin to remain within the church organization. Your heart is either divided or it is devoted. These two states often look the same, but the results are eternally different.

Next week we’ll look at the process of Hannah’s obedience and Elkanah’s agreement with her in that obedience.

When God Holds Me Back

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A Study of the Kings

1st Samuel 1 – A Tale of Two Wives: Part Two “When God Holds Me Back”
We often hear of people who fight through tremendous odds and all of a sudden they break through and gain great wealth, fame and notoriety. Sometimes that break through leads to another break down that is worse than their first state of affairs. Sometimes they never break through and die in relative obscurity and discouragement. Of course, we rarely hear about these cases, so most of the press goes to either the ultimate tragedy or the ultimate victory (from an earthly perspective).

In the story of Hannah and Peninnah we see two ladies with similar responsiblities, different initial results and finally (when the results are evened out) two different outcomes. It may very well be possible that Peninnah was unloved and viewed as a simple concubine..there to bear children. That would not be an uncommon estate for women of that age. She obviously felt some need to bolster her achievement that was noteworthy because she felt the need to provoke Hannah to fret, because of her barrenness. In the middle of this dilemna was Elkanah. Peninnah had to have at least some confirmation that she was appreciated because she bore children, yet also had the deficit that Hannah was the woman Elkanah loved. Two wives, one husband, multiple problems compounding upon each other.

“Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim- zophim, of the hill- country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite: and he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of other Peninnah:and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. And this man went up out of his city from year to year to worship and to sacrifice unto Jehovah of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, priests unto Jehovah, were there.
And when the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: but unto Hannah he gave a double portion; for he loved Hannah, but Jehovah had shut up her womb. And her rival provoked her sore, to make her fret, because Jehovah had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of Jehovah, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons” 1 Samuel 1:1-8

Hannah had the love of her husband, but not the status of a true Mate. Mate’s provide children. Not only this, we see that Jehovah was the one responsible for shutting up her womb. This is a serious setback to the status of Hannah, in her eyes. Also, Peninnah obviously was taking advantage of the status that she did have and was consistently reminding Hannah that she was childless, and hence, more of a concubine than a true wife. That is because Peninnah obviously knew she was not number one in Elkanah’s heart. Now I may be reading a little too much into all of this exchange, but suffice it to say that neither Hannah or Peninnah have what they want.

We see Penninah’s response up in the previous passage, she chose to tear down her rival. She had provoked Hannah, apparently mercilessly, trying to get an edge on her in the war for Elkanah’s affections. Back on the farm we call this “taking matters into your own hands”. Obviously Elkanah was not going to give Peninnah what she wanted without a little help. Therefore, the obvious remedy is to make Hannah a miserable person to be around. Then her husband will come to appreciate his child bearing wife, because she just does her job while the other one cries and gets depressed over things that are out of her control.

I find it interesting that the Scripture does not record any exchange verbatim with the exception of Elkanah’s attempt to cheer up Hannah. Elkanah’s attempt tries to focus Hannah on the fact that she is wanted (needed?) by her husband and that she has his love, children or not. However, he mistakenly thinks that her real needs would be met by him alone. Elkanah is a good man, but he is not necessarily a perceptive man. One would wonder just how much it would have cost him to treat Peninnah with enough respect and love to not make her feel the need to retaliate. Not only that but giving one wife a double portion just speaks highly of the lack of respect that Peninnah is given. “Good, you’ve born all these kids…take your portion just like they do.”

The reason that most of these exchanges are not recorded (in my opinion) is due to the fact that they would probably be typical human expressions that we see and hear every day. People jockeying for position, manuevering themselves to get the object of their desire. Deep down in our hearts we really know what we want and we very often use our interaction with others to try and achieve it on our own.

But we see that Hannah takes a different course. At first we see the typical set up but here in verses 9-11 we begin to see motions that set this human episode apart. Hannah is willing to give up the very thing she wants in order to achieve it.

“So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest was sitting upon his seat by the door- post of the temple of Jehovah. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto Jehovah, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O Jehovah of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thy handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thy handmaid, but wilt give unto thy handmaid a man- child, then I will give him unto Jehovah all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.” 1st Samuel 1:9-11

I remember, years ago, hearing the late Keith Green at a concert in Boise, Idaho. During his speaking he mentioned that people were coming up to him all the time and asking what they could do to minister with their music, like he was doing. His answer was always, “be willing to give it up and never sing again in front of people”. That has stuck with me throughout the years as I take jobs that risk my hands and voice. As a bi-vocational pastor I have often born the results of dual responsibility by being less than what I could have been at both jobs. In Hannah’s circumstance she was asking God to allow her to bear the man-child that she wanted and then she would gladly give him up…that is, the joy of motherhood for this very child. Oh, she would see him, but the Priest Eli would be the person that raised him. There is no indication that she consulted with Elkanah about this, but there is also no indication that he disagreed with her decision.

One other thing to notice, as the story progresses, is that Peninnah’s role is completed. We never ever see a mention of her again. She has taken her displeasure into her own hands and out of God’s. Once that happens we are simply a tool that God uses or discards to help achieve His purpose. Not a willing tool, like Hannah, but a tool more along the lines of Pharoah.

If God is holding you back from something, either through a physical condition, such as Hannah’s, or perhaps a financial straitjacket or another logistical hurdle, consider giving the true results to Him, even if you are given your request. Have you ever received a gift of money, only to give it all away to another person or cause? Have you ever been a part of building a great organization or ministry only to give it over to someone else to run and enjoy the fruits? The point of the matter is not in the achievement but in the posture. Whose is it? If it is yours, then you still have some sanctifying and consecrating of your motives to take care of.

One other story about a woman wanting children is found in Genesis 30.

“And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and she said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.” Genesis 30:1

Those were very prophetic words to use. She died in child birth with only her second child. Literally, getting what she wanted was the death of her. Rachel went to Jacob, Hannah went to God.

God is not angry with our requests, in fact He encourages us to seek Him out for the things that we want. However, in conjunction with seeking Him out we must be also willing to do things in His way, following His timetable and honoring His plan. Of course, we have know real way of discerning any of these things so we learn to seek Him out in faith, trusting that He will provide the answer and reveal things as we need to know them.

Hannah’s statement to God is quite simple and very eloquent in it’s solution. Give me what I want and I will give it all back to You. Now my desire is at the whim of the Almighty. When God holds me back, I know it is for my benefit, because it is also for His purpose. I’m often reminded of my children. Kayla used to always come and say “Daddy, I love you” when I would give her what she wanted. However, there was a time when she was younger when I didn’t receive that same reaction when I said “no” to whatever the request was. Then, one day, I said, “Kayla, it will be easier to believe you when you tell me that you love me when you don’t like my answer.” Guess what? From that point on while she lived at home, Kayla always said “I love you, Dad” even when the conversations weren’t all about her getting her way or what she wanted. As her father, I found myself sometimes taking her side just because she had learned to express her love for me in spite of the outcome for her.

So is God holding you back? Is God making you wait for something that you needed yesterday? Has God slammed the door shut? Remember all these wonderful examples in the Bible of God’s timing and patience with us. Also remember the episodes where God’s people failed to wait on Him, abide by His decisions and went ahead without Him. Hannah didn’t give Elkanah her handmaiden, she didn’t complain to Elkanah, she did not connive to somehow usurp her rival, she went to Jehovah.

Next visit we’ll see the results of Hannah’s prayer and also take a look at the judgements of a divided heart.

A Tale of Two Wives

Aside

A Study of the Kings

1st Samuel 1 – A Tale of Two Wives: Part One –
“I Don’t Like My Part In This Production!”

What does it take to get your name mentioned in the Bible? Is there a requirement of some special type, or is it just that you had to be in the right place at the right (or wrong) time? I have never been able to establish a clear pattern as to how someone receives mention of their name in the Bible. Yet every person is important. I love to stop, during my reading of lists and genealogies, to consider the names mentioned…each one is an individual with a father and mother. Each individual had emotions and peculiarities that were unique to them, even if their plights were common to man. I have heard sermons on how we are not unique, we are not special, everybody is really all the same. While I understand the basic intent behind these messages…destroy the sinful pride of ego that claims special privilege (usually presented by a person with ego problems themselves), the premise is flawed. If we are not unique then why is it so important that he knows us by name and treats us as individuals? While the intent is good, the theology is bad.

God is not boring, nor does He do anything the same way twice. Each creation is just a little different than the last. Each moment is unique in history and will not come again. This is because His purposes are so much more vast and intricate than my wildest imaginations can fathom. I could never hope to discern a pattern unless He gives me a glimpse at the blueprints. Hence, the Law, Jesus (who fulfilled the law) and then the Bible…the story of God’s interaction with Earth and the chief creature of Earth (no, not the Humpback whale), but mankind. The Bible is a blueprint that gives us all we need to know and actually quite a bit more to chew on than we can grasp at any one time. So in this blueprint (actually quite small compared to some reference books) we see the names of individuals. Fearfully and wonderfully made individuals. Each one with unique traits given only to them. Even when they share multiple traits with other people, these individuals only see things through their own eyes, even with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they still view their world through their own perceptions.

So, back to the original question…what does it take to have your name mentioned in the Bible? No cheating and saying “God’s Will”. There is no growth or need for personal introspection in that answer. After all, God’s Will is sovereign. It will not be thwarted, it will be accomplished. Even the demons know that, albeit they are self decieved about the reality of it. Therefore, each individual mentioned, by name, in the scriptures is there for a reason. This, of course, doesn’t include the host of “a certain man” or “a certain woman” references. It doesn’t include “they”, “them”, “we”, or the broader definitions of racial or family names.

The reason I ask this question is to bring out the point that you are important. You are not just one of “those” or one of “them” on the pages of history. You are created and then given a name. God created you as an individual. He did not make a mistake with your personality, your traits, your emotional makeup, or where He placed you. You are not an “accident” born by chance. You are an individual with purpose; fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving and very inventive Creator.

“Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim- zophim, of the hill- country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite: and he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of other Peninnah:and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. And this man went up out of his city from year to year to worship and to sacrifice unto Jehovah of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, priests unto Jehovah, were there.
And when the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: but unto Hannah he gave a double portion; for he loved Hannah, but Jehovah had shut up her womb. And her rival provoked her sore, to make her fret, because Jehovah had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of Jehovah, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons” 1 Samuel 1:1-8

Don’t forget Elkanah and focus only on Hannah. Don’t cruise over Peninnah and just hate her. Each of these three individuals were real, they lived, loved, laughed, cried and bore all the traits of mankind, each in their unique way. Also, notice the other individuals mentioned here. Jeroham, Elihu, Tohu, Zuph and Ephraim (the son of Joseph, the son of Jacob). They are not just names in a lineage, but each one of these lived and passed on traits that were culminated in Elkanah and then transferred to his son, Samuel. Then there is Eli, Hophni and Phinehas. If this were a movie, most of these folks would not be mentioned, because the dialogue to introduce them would be far to complex, but this isn’t make believe. It is real life and in real life, people count.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pence? and not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not:ye are of more value than many sparrows” Luke 12:6,7

Hannah felt that her life was worthless, she was a byword in the history of mankind. She was sure that she was inferior because of her inability to bear children and sweet, dear Peninnah was happy to remind her that she was somehow deficient. Obviously Elkanah, in his sensitive male ego, realized that Hannah’s suffering was needless, since she had him. He chose to comfort her by reminding her that he was the center of her universe. Not such a comforting thought, is it? When we don’t have what we really, really want, a substitute does nothing to take the edge off of our discontent. Elkanah gave Hannah double portions, but she didn’t count her self-worth by what she received, but rather by what she was able to give.

Wait! Did you just see that? A character trait. Hannah’s first character trait of significance. She had not given her husband a child. Childbearing, especially male children, was a significant accomplishent for married women of that day. Hannah had an identity crisis based on her worth as a Mate. Hannah wanted children. We are also to understand from the text that God was responsible for closing up her womb. (Now don’t yell at me, that is what it says. Refer to verse 5.) That is really great for the ego when God says, I am withholding this from you. It just makes you want to sing and shout…right?

For this moment, let’s look at just two elements of this picture that has been painted. We have a rich family history (Elkanah’s) and two wives, one bearing children and one that was loved but barren. Our hat’s go off to Elkanah for not looking down on Hannah, but instead trying to cheer her up, in a very clumsy kind of way. I wonder what Elkanah was thinking? We can see that he truly loved Hannah and there is no indication of any reproach on her from him, unless his reproach was expressed by Peninnah because he was incapable of doing it?

Do you see how complex it is when we start to consider the motives and actions of these Bible characters. Everybody plays a part and everybody is who they are based on God’s original design and their choices concerning that design. Hannah was not deficient any more than Peninnah was totally functional. Hannah’s grief was real and palpable, because she thought of herself as less than whole. She is a part of a family that has a rich heritage. Ephraim was one of the foremost tribes of Israel. Ephraim was one of those younger sons that outdo the oldest son. Joshua was of the tribe of Ephraim. This is not an insignificant family.

So many times we want a simplistic answer to our dilemna, to our life or the meaning of our existence. We want to have God’s knowledge of the future and be able to make our plans accordingly. We have our desires and we try to bring God around to looking at things our way. Very often, this is the place where we grow the most as individuals. The times when we don’t get what we want, when we want it.

Peninnah doesn’t appear to have any problems of this sort. She is probably not real happy with her “co-wife” who has no children to take care of when she is responsible for the upbringing of a whole brood. Any mother of multiple children (or even just one strong willed child) will tell you that it often does not feel like an honor at all. So instead of looking at Peninnah as a snooty little princess, view her as the overworked, underpaid mother of sons and daughters who, in the end, will never be mentioned individully. Even Samuel’s brothers and sisters (who are born later in the story) are not mentioned by name, yet they are a part of the story.

There is not one person in this narrative that is inconsequential to God. As we go through a study of the Kingdom years, following the Thread Method of Bible study, we will find people who choose to obey God, but nobody follows; people who choose to disobey God and get quite a long run of earthly success until they are eliminated; people who choose to obey God and are cut down in their prime; people who choose to obey God and bring the whole nation with them, only to have their son undo everything that they have accomplished and people who choose to obey God but are only mentioned in passing. None of these people is an accident and all have them had influence on the events of their day.

Two wives, one was being denied motherhood, the other was literally overflowing with motherhood and the husband was torn in his emotions and caught in the middle. All individuals, all with a choice to make and all capable of crying to God for their needs and praising God for His goodness.

Where are you at? Are you being denied by God? Are your dreams flourishing but you feel overwhelmed with the burden of it all? Are you caught in the middle, trying to make everyone feel good about themselves, yet still get something accomplished? The guarranty is that you are not a “bit” player in the drama of your life. You are the lead in God’s plan for you because only you have the choices that God has specifically given you. Nobody else has the opportunity or the responsibility to obey God for you, on your behalf. We are told in Revelation that Christ has given us a name that only He and we will know.

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it.” Revelation 2:17

The next time you feel overlooked, look beyond what you want and instead to what God wants. He sees things at a higher level than any of us do. He is not slighting you if you are unhappy with circumstances any more than He is exalting the person who appears to have all the honor and the earthly blessing. In truth, God does exalt people and bring people low, but it does not always follow the course of our own opinion and perceptions. We only learn to play our part correctly when we relinquish our own perception of being “the center of the universe” and give God the authority and the recognition that we think we want. For further explanation look up everything in the Bible about Lucifer.

We’ll see in our next blog how Hannah chose to express her grief and how Peninnah just plain disappears from the story, as we continue a look at a tale of two wives.