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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
It is fitting that Hannah’s name means grace, as she personified that Godly attribute as a mother to her son, Samuel; even though her younger years closely paralleled Sarah’s, being childless and distraught because of it. As a result of her amazing faith and perseverance, however, she too was blessed with a son who became a towering figure in Israel’s history as both priest and judge.
Hannah and her husband Elkanah lived rather nondescript lives in an obscure village, their one claim to fame being the priestly tribe they were descended from. Their main source of excitement coming once a year when Hannah accompanied Elkanah to the tabernacle to worship and offer sacrifice during a bleak period in Israel’s history. Eli was high priest at the time, with his two sons serving under him; and they were terrible. Greedy and manipulative, they used their power and influence to forcibly take what was not theirs, up to and including seducing young women who came to worship. Their father made only half-hearted attempts to rebuke and rectify their abuses while the people, wary of them, became reluctant to approach God’s sanctuary. Finally, treating the ark as a good-luck charm rather than the mercy-seat of Jehovah, Hophni and Phineas took it into battle against the Philistines where the ark was lost and the two priests killed. It would be years before the ark would be restored to Israel and longer still before it was installed in its rightful place of worship by David.
Complicating matters was the fact that Hannah’s husband had taken a second wife, her rival boasting of her children while Hannah had none. Even though Elkanah seems to have preferred Hannah, he sought out an additional companion to bear him children, complicating their relationships and deepening Hannah’s sense of failure. Hannah longed for motherhood, as most women do; joining a long line of women who through patience, faithfulness, submission and spiritual devotion contributed greatly to the success of future generations. She played a vital role – through her late-arriving son – in turning back the darkness of spiritual backsliding in Israel. Samuel being crucial to Israel’s success on a number of levels during his lifetime and beyond.
There was a distinctive quality to Hannah’s steadfast faith as she persisted in prayer and devotion to Yahweh; uncertainty turning her more to God than away from him. She did indeed pray passionately for a son, but unselfishly vowed to return him to Yahweh for service in the tabernacle; literally fulfilling the consecration of her firstborn son commanded in Exodus 13:42. Her love of God and understanding of his ways being key to Hannah’s lasting influence as a mother and Samuel’s success in re-invigorating Israel’s allegiance to its God and unity as a people. Hannah’s reward for being faithful to her promise of turning her son over to tabernacle service at a very young age, was 5 additional children (1 Samuel 2:18-21); God going above and beyond what she had imagined and hoped for.
Mary Magdelene is one of the more prominent women of the New Testament, mentioned in all four Gospels. Yet much is left unsaid concerning her personal background even as she is given the singular distinction of being the first person Christ revealed himself to after his resurrection, earning her the title of ‘Apostle to the Apostles.’
Much has been said about Mary, however, based on fanciful imagination and outright blasphemy. She needs neither, as the character revealed through scripture is enough. She did apparently have her share of trouble in life, though nothing indicates the more sordid aspects attributed to her by some. Christ did deliver her of seven demons (Luke 8:2), the only solid detail recorded of her past. Her place-name, Magdelene, designating her as a citizen of Magdala (Matthew 15:39) and differentiating her from the other Mary’s among Jesus’ followers. (Namely Mary of Bethany and his own mother.)
Mary’s demon possession was undoubtedly real, not a characterization of a misunderstood illness as some profess. Scripture specifically differentiates between Jesus’ healing of sick individuals and those he released from demons; demon possession portrayed as an affliction, not a sin – although some illness and disease may indeed accompany demonic oppression and possession, some sinful activity opening the door to demonic infiltration and disease. There is no evidence that all demonized people are engaged in immoral behavior; they are however, shown to be tormented, suffering people, regarded as outcasts by polite, “normal” society. Scripture deliberately and mercifully omitting the details of Mary’s possession, which is understandable, as they are unimportant. What is notable about her experience is that Christ delivered her from them and transformed her life in a remarkable way.
One way her life took on new meaning and direction was when she became one of Jesus’ traveling companions, one of a number of women who are said to have literally supported Jesus and his closest companions out of their own material substance. (Luke 8:1-3) Which was virtually unheard of among other rabbi’s, but there is absolutely no indication of inappropriate behavior among them. If there had been any hint of such impropriety, Jesus’ enemies would have surely used it against him as they constantly sought ways to discredit his character and motives.
When others became confused, offended and fearful of following Jesus, Mary remained faithful; being present at the cross and later at His burial, along with a number of other women. (Mk.15:47) (Only one male disciple, John, identifying with Jesus to the very end.) Mary being among the first to go to the tomb the next day to finish the hurried burial that had occurred mere hours before the start of Sabbath. To her surprise she was blessed in an unimaginable way.
Coming to the cave-like tomb that first Lord’s day morning, Mary and a few other women found the stone “door” rolled away from its mouth. At the moment, she did not fully comprehend what had happened and turned back to inform the other disciples what she had found; encountering Peter and John, she confusedly exclaimed, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” John 20:2 Returning to the garden and still not understanding what had happened, she came face-to-face with Jesus in his resurrected form. Not recognizing him at first, her inconsolable grief was turned to unrestrained joy as he called her by name and revealed himself to her as the resurrected Christ. (John 20:1-18)
Because of her belief and unswerving commitment, Mary will be forever remembered as a faithful follower of our Lord. And because of her deep love for Him, she will be forever honored as the one to whom Christ first appeared after his resurrection. (Mark 16:9)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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