But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah…
— 1 Samuel 1:5

The book of Samuel begins with the story of Elkanah, who had two wives. The name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah; Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. When Elkanah went up to worship the LORD of hosts and offer sacrifice, he gave portions to Peninnah and her children, but to Hannah he gave a special portion, because he loved her. So what is this special portion?

The Hebrew says that Elkanah gave Hannah a double portion, twice as much. We meet a double portion of blessing in another story in the books of Kings as well. Before Elijah was taken up to heaven, he asked Elisha: “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” (2 Kgs.2:9) When Elisha saw Elijah go up by a whirlwind into heaven, he received a double portion of the spirit and cried out: “My father, my father!…” Elisha received the Spirit of sonship, the Spirit of grace.

Paul writes to the Romans: “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.'” (Rom.8:15) Just as Elkanah gave Hannah a special, double portion because he loved her, so our heavenly Father has given us the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of grace, because He loved us. The name Elkanah in Hebrew means God has acquired. God acquired us, redeemed us with the blood of Jesus Christ, so that we might receive the adoption as sons. “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!'” (Gal.4:5-6)

Beloved friend, the Father did not give and send the Holy Spirit into your heart to convict you or condemn you. Paul wrote that the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Rom.5:5) The Father gave us the Holy Spirit to pour His love into our hearts continually. The wall of sin that separated us from Daddy’s love was broken down in the body of Jesus Christ. God Himself tore the veil in the temple after Jesus cried out: “It is finished!” Now nothing and no one can separate us from the love of God given to us in Christ Jesus!

Prayer
Abba, Daddy, I praise You for the sacrifice and the blood of Your beloved Son, who redeemed me from the slavery of the law and of sin. Thank You for giving me a special portion, the Holy Spirit, through whom You pour Your love into my heart. I know and believe that I am Your beloved child, and no one and nothing can separate me from Your love! Amen!