Great Reversal

Read Psalm 119:17-24 (Gimel)

Read 1 Samuel 2

Yesterday we heard about Hannah's grief, and about how God heard and answered her prayer. Today we see her sing a song of praise. A major theme in this song (very much like Mary's Magnificat) is that God pulls a great reversal on mankind. The wicked are brought low, but the righteous are raised up. The proud, haughty, well-off, rich, full, satiated, all are brought down (and of course these are spiritual conditions; we're not just talking about how much stuff someone has). But the poor, the barren, the humble and lowly are raised up.

Indeed, after her song we see this played out in the narrative. We see the author go back and forth. Hophni and Phineas, the wicked priests, are abusive and crass. They have lots of power. Then we see little Samuel slowly grow. Then we see more abuses of Hophni and Phineas. Then we see little Samuel grow a little more. Then we hear judgment pronounced on the wicked priests, and a promise given about a faithful priest that will be raised up (...a prophecy that is begun to be fulfilled in Samuel but also ultimately points to the Prophet, Jesus Christ).

Indeed, in Jesus we see the greatest reversal. God becomes a man, a humble servant. This servant is poor and lowly. He slowly grows in stature and gains the respect of God and man. He serves humbly. He is obedient. He puts everyone before himself. He even goes to the cross in obedience. The sinless one becomes sin for us, that we might be raised, lifted up, and exalted. Yes, we are given forgiveness, life, and salvation because of this great and incredible reversal of Jesus Christ! Thanks be to God!

And of course, we remember another great reversal, that Jesus rose from the dead and swings open the gates of heaven, where he rules and reigns over all things in heaven and on earth.

So, while it seems here that the wicked persevere and prosper while the righteous in Christ suffer, we know that the greatest reversal has already taken place, and it's only a matter of time until we behold all its implications with our own eyes. How I long for that day!

Pray:

"Thank You, Lord, for all Your gifts to us. Let our joy be complete as we offer ourselves and our children to You and to each other in love. Thank You, Lord, for Your unfailing love and faithfulness to us. Bless us in faithful service to You, to our family, and in our callings." (TLSB p. 436, 438).