Ebenezer
Jalee Rice
1 Samuel 7:10-12
10 While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. 11 The men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along the way to a point below Beth Kar.
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
Ever been there? Minding your own business. Serving God with everything within you, when all of a sudden you are thrust into a full-on battle? You are in good company with many of God’s people before you.
Samuel found himself in the middle of a very real battle. To add insult to injury, he was offering the sacrifice to the LORD when the enemy entered the scene. 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” It is, indeed, a sobering thought that the enemy lurks around looking for a weak moment to pounce on us.
But then, God.
If you pursue God’s kids, you will have to deal with the consequences of our Father, God. With a loud thunder, confounding the enemy, The LORD makes his stellar appearance. Thunder shakes the place down and He marches the enemy down directly in front of Samuel and Israel (mic drop moment).
How many of you can relate? You feel like you are offering your sacrifice to the LORD only to find yourself in the middle of your own battle? (Insert your battle’s name _____.)
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
Ebenezer means “Stone of hope.” Weird word with a punch in meaning. He’s got your back. He sees your future. He has your best interest in mind. It bears asking, “Have you lost your hope?” The Rock of our salvation desires to solidify hope in your heart again. You only need to ask for a fresh perspective. A hard reset might be in order.
Can you see from a distance how God has intervened on your behalf? Those moments where you stand in amazement of a miracle. God’s intervention has brought blessings in the form of provision or promotion. Maybe it has kept you out of harm’s way. It’s probably not been without a barrage. Jesus is our Stone of Help. Our Cornerstone. Our Defender. A very present Help. Let me remind us to remember how he has provided. Thus far, the Lord has helped me. To this point, the Lord has helped me. Up to this place, He has been with me. I love the lyrics of the Elevation worship song ``Do It Again”:
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I'm still in Your hands
This is my confidence, You've never failed me yet
Thank you, God. Our Ebenezer and Stone of Hope who has helped us to this point and will help us again!