What can we learn from Eli's guidance to Samuel about spiritual mentorship? Setting the Scene “Once again, for the third time, the LORD called to Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, ‘Here I am, for you have called me.’ Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy.” (1 Samuel 3:8) Eli Recognizes God’s Voice Before Samuel Does • Spiritual mentors often discern God’s activity in a younger believer’s life before that believer fully understands it (Acts 9:10-17; 2 Timothy 1:5). • Eli’s age and experience enable him to perceive the divine pattern behind Samuel’s repeated interruptions. • A mentor’s task begins with attentive listening—first to God, then to the mentee. Teaching a Posture of Listening • Eli instructs Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if He calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening’” (1 Samuel 3:9). • Key components Eli models: – Stillness: withdrawing from noise (Psalm 46:10). – Readiness: expecting God to speak (Habakkuk 2:1). – Submission: identifying as “servant” (Luke 1:38). Guidance Rooted in Humility • Eli does not try to control the conversation between God and Samuel. • John 3:30 captures the mentor’s heart: “He must increase; I must decrease.” • Genuine mentorship seeks the mentee’s direct encounter with the Lord, not dependence on the mentor. Pointing Beyond Ourselves to God • Eli shifts Samuel’s focus from human authority to divine authority (John 10:27). • Mentors act as signposts, directing younger believers toward personal fellowship with Christ (Colossians 1:28-29). Preparing for Obedience, Not Just Revelation • God’s first message to Samuel involves hard truth about Eli’s house (1 Samuel 3:11-14). • A faithful mentor prepares disciples for obedience even when the word is difficult (James 1:22). • Obedience cements spiritual growth (John 14:23). Lessons for Today’s Spiritual Mentors • Discern: Ask God to give insight into the call He’s placing on others. • Instruct: Teach practical ways to recognize and test God’s voice (1 John 4:1). • Model: Live out a lifestyle of listening and quick obedience. • Release: Celebrate when mentees begin hearing and following God independently. • Persevere: Even imperfect mentors like Eli can be used by God—faithfulness matters more than flawlessness (Philippians 1:6). Fruit That Endures • Samuel grows to become “a trustworthy prophet of the LORD” (1 Samuel 3:20) because Eli stepped aside at the right moment. • When mentors emulate Eli’s blend of discernment, instruction, humility, and release, God raises up the next generation of faithful servants. |
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