How does 1 Samuel 3:18 connect to Romans 8:28 about God's purpose? The Scene in Shiloh — 1 Samuel 3:18 “So Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him. ‘He is the LORD,’ said Eli. ‘He will do what is good in His eyes.’” • Samuel relays a hard message of judgment on Eli’s household. • Eli responds with remarkable surrender: “He is the LORD… He will do what is good.” • This single sentence reveals profound trust in God’s character and purpose, even when the outcome is painful. The Promise in Rome — Romans 8:28 “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” • Paul assures believers that God actively orchestrates every circumstance toward “the good.” • The verse hinges on two realities: God’s sovereign workmanship and our calling within His purpose. Connecting the Dots — Trusting God’s Good Purpose Eli’s response in 1 Samuel 3:18 mirrors the confidence Paul describes in Romans 8:28: 1. Same God, Same Goodness – Eli: “He will do what is good in His eyes.” – Paul: “God works all things together for the good.” 2. Submission Meets Sovereignty – Eli bows to God’s verdict without resistance. – Romans 8:28 assumes yielded hearts that love God and trust His purpose. 3. Hard News, Hopeful Outcome – The prophecy against Eli was severe, yet Eli affirmed God’s goodness. – Romans 8:28 promises ultimate good, even through trials (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17). Why This Matters for Us • God’s purpose is steadfast, whether the immediate word is comforting or confronting. • True faith views hardship through the lens of divine goodness, not human ease. • Like Eli, we can respond to every circumstance—pleasant or painful—by acknowledging, “He is the LORD.” Practical Takeaways • When Scripture confronts, receive it as coming from a God who is always “good in His eyes.” • Rehearse Romans 8:28 during setbacks; train the heart to expect God’s redemptive outcome. • Cultivate the reflex of surrender: “Let Him do what is good,” trusting that His definition of good is perfect. Supporting Passages for Deeper Reflection • Genesis 50:20 — God turning evil intentions for good. • Job 1:21 — Worship in loss: “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” • Proverbs 19:21 — “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” • Jeremiah 29:11 — Plans for welfare, not disaster, to give a future and a hope. • 1 Peter 5:10 — After suffering, God Himself will restore and establish you. Living the Connection Eli’s quiet confession and Paul’s bold proclamation converge on this truth: God’s purpose is always good, and trusting that purpose—especially in difficult moments—invites His redemptive work into every part of life. |
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