On Loan

"As long as he lives he is lent to the LORD," 1 Samuel 1:28.

A divine transaction takes place: In return for the opening of her womb, Hannah loans her firstborn child to God. Now, God required none of this. It's Hannah's deal. But this first one (of five yet to come), this one, she loans to God. No metaphor. She hands over her weaned son to the priest presiding at the Lord's house in Shiloh. Boggles the mind, doesn't it? But mind you, no abandonment here: she keeps him near her bosom for three years. Then she provides little robes, tunics, throughout his childhood. But, mainly, note: she does not give up the boy. Not at all. She's clear: She will loan him. Samuel is her boy, not the Lord's boy. It is her boy who will minister before the Lord from youth to age. Her boy. On loan. Her sacrificed heart's loan. To God's service.

Just so, we see a sword piercing through Mary's own heart, her son nailed to a tree. God, who receives the crucified offering, his own son indeed (!), purifies thereby for himself a people zealous for good deeds. When we visit today with a brother or sister, we give thanks to God, the healer of pierced hearts.