How can we apply Eli's blessing to encourage others in their spiritual journey? Setting the scene at Shiloh 1 Samuel 2:20: “Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, ‘May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the boy she lent to the LORD.’ Then they would go home.” • Hannah’s family had just reaffirmed their dedication of Samuel to God’s service. • In response, Eli—Israel’s high priest—spoke a specific, faith-filled blessing that God soon fulfilled (2:21). What the blessing teaches about encouraging others • God honors words spoken in faith. Eli’s blessing is not empty sentiment; it is a declaration anchored in the Lord’s faithfulness. • Blessing recognizes sacrifice. Eli asked the Lord to replenish what Hannah had surrendered. • Encouragement looks forward. The blessing anticipated new life yet unseen, guiding Hannah and Elkanah to expect God’s goodness. Scripture’s wider witness on speaking blessing • Numbers 6:24-26 – “The LORD bless you and keep you…” shows God commands leaders to pronounce blessing. • Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” • Ephesians 4:29 – Words are to “build up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Encourage one another and build each other up.” Practical ways to apply Eli’s pattern today Speak specifically • Name the person and the area of need: “May the Lord strengthen you in the new ministry He’s entrusting to you.” • Tie the blessing to God’s character and promise, not human effort. Affirm sacrifice • Acknowledge what has been laid on the altar—time, resources, obedience. • Ask God to replenish far beyond what was given (Luke 6:38). Point forward in faith • Use future-oriented language: “The Lord will provide…” “He will sustain…” • Remind believers that God rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Keep it regular • Eli blessed the family “every year” (1 Samuel 2:19-20). Consistency reinforces hope. • Adopt rhythms—after church, over family meals, at ministry milestones—to speak life. Examples of blessing that echo Eli’s • Boaz to Ruth: “May the LORD repay your work, and may you receive a full reward from the LORD” (Ruth 2:12). • Moses to Joshua: a public charge that God would go ahead of him (Deuteronomy 31:7-8). • Paul to Timothy: “Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:2). Living as agents of blessing • Fill your heart with Scripture so blessings flow naturally (Psalm 119:11). • Guard against negative speech; blessing and cursing should not come from the same mouth (James 3:9-10). • Trust that God’s Word will accomplish what He desires (Isaiah 55:11). • Watch expectantly for answered blessings, then celebrate God’s faithfulness, just as Hannah rejoiced when “the LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived” (1 Samuel 2:21). |
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