Great Reversal

Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026

Readings: 1 Samuel 2 | Psalm 69:19-36

1 Samuel 2 gives us a masterclass in contrast. On one hand, we have Hannah’s Song, which is a prophetic anthem about God bringing down the mighty and lifting up the lowly. On the other, we have Eli’s sons, who are corrupt, greedy, and “have no regard for the Lord.” This is the great reversal that echoes throughout the entire Bible.

Hannah’s song is the blueprint for Mary’s Magnificat in the New Testament. It reminds us that God isn’t impressed by human power or religious status. He opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. While Eli’s sons are busy exploiting the temple for meat, little Samuel is “ministering before the Lord.”

Psalm 69 ends with a shout of praise: “I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” This is the posture of the Kingdom. The grand narrative of Scripture is moving toward the ultimate reversal at the cross, where the King of Glory becomes a servant so that servants can become children of the King. Don’t be fooled by the “Goliaths” or the “corrupt sons” of this world; the God of the Reversal is still on the throne.

Devotional Prompts:

• How does Hannah’s Song challenge your view of what success looks like in God’s eyes?
• Where do you see Eli’s sons (corruption, ego) in the world today, and how should you respond?
• How can you cultivate a heart like Samuel, ministering in the small things while chaos happens around you?

Prayer: God of the humble, thank You for the Great Reversal of the Gospel. Keep me from the pride that leads to ruin and give me a heart that rejoices in Your justice and grace. May my life be a song of praise to You. Amen.