Genuine Pursuit of God

Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle. Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the LORD. And she made this vow: “O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime, and as a sign that he has been dedicated to the LORD, his hair will never be cut.” As she was praying to the LORD, Eli watched her. Seeing her lips moving but hearing no sound, he thought she had been drinking. “Must you come here drunk?” he demanded. “Throw away your wine!” “Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the LORD. Don’t think I am a wicked woman! For I have been praying out of great anguish and sorrow.” “In that case,” Eli said, “go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.” “Oh, thank you, sir!” she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad. [1 Samuel 1.9-18]

Eli was just not that impressive.

As a "man of God," he sure missed it in calling Hannah out for being drunk.

But then, when she denied being drunk and explained her story, Eli then (flippantly in my mind) spoke a prophetic blessing over her.

What is amazing however is that Hannah got all excited about Eli's blessing (which, again, was less than sincere in my mind). Hannah was sad at first, but then, after Eli spoke that blessing over her, she was no longer sad.

Even stupid people can bless others. Balaam's donkey and Eli both existed at about the same low level of existence and both spoke the Truth of God. That said, I find hope that even I, on occasion might speak the Truth of God.

But, the point of this story is this: Hannah received a blessing even through the ministry of what appears to have been a much less than sincere priest! Hannah was genuine in her pursuit of God and God met her at that point of need.

Father, help us to pursue and find You even when those we encounter are less than sincere.