January 12, 2026

1There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim. His name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2He had two wives, one named Hannah, the other Peninnah; Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3Each year this man went up from his city to worship and offer sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were ministering as priests of the LORD. 4When the day came for Elkanah to offer sacrifice, he used to give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters, 5but he would give a double portion to Hannah because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. 6Her rival, to upset her, would torment her constantly, since the LORD had closed her womb. 7Year after year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, Peninnah would provoke her, and Hannah would weep and refuse to eat. 8Elkanah, her husband, would say to her: “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why are you not eating? Why are you so miserable? Am I not better for you than ten sons?”

12How can I repay the LORD for all the great good done for me? 13I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD. 14I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. 15Dear in the eyes of the LORD is the death of his devoted. 16LORD, I am your servant, your servant, the child of your maidservant; you have loosed my bonds. 17I will offer a sacrifice of praise and call on the name of the LORD. 18I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people, 19In the courts of the house of the LORD, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah!

15“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” The Call of the First Disciples.

14II. The Mystery of Jesus - The Beginning of the Galilean Ministry. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: 15“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” The Call of the First Disciples. 16As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. 17Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 18Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. 19He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. 20Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.