Sunday Worship - November 14
Watch the service on-demand! The Rev. Dr. Arthur L. Cribbs, Jr., preached on 1 Samuel 1:4-20 and Mark 13:1-8 in his sermon entitled “Praise the Holy One” (read more below).
Praise the Holy One
The focus of this week's biblical story allows us to peek into the life of another woman. Last week we followed the journey of Naomi and Ruth as they made their way to Judah, Naomi's homeland. This week we delve into the desperation and agony suffered by Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel. As we reflect on the tribulations of women in the Bible, we are able to think deeply about the treatment of women today. For too many women, the cruel reality of assault, brutality, and blatant mistreatment remain a plague in our society.
Fortunately, the under belly of life does not define the capability of women who endure against the odds. Naomi, Ruth, and Hannah endured and overcame their hardships. To be clear, their stories are not intended to minimize the reality of their sufferings and outcomes. Rather, we can look to the past and discover the ever-present, invisible hand of God wrapped around the lives of women. It may give us pause when we think about the profound cruelty and burdens women too often bear. Their endurance and victory even against the odds provide sufficient evidence we should never cease from giving praise to the Holy One.
