Ebenezer

Posted on August 28, 2018 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

Do you remember singing, “Here I raise mine Ebenezer, hither by thy help I’ve come…” (Come Thou Fount). What was that all about?

In 1 Samuel 7, during the end of the time of the judges, Israel experienced revival under the leadership of Samuel. The nation repented of their sin, destroyed their idols, and began to seek the Lord (1 Samuel 7:2–4). Samuel gathered the people at Mizpah where they confessed their sin, and Samuel offered a sacrifice on their behalf (verses 5–9).

It was during this time of repentance and renewal that the Philistines attacked and “the LORD thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites” (verse 10).

To commemorate the divine victory, “Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us’” (verse 12).

Ebenezer means “stone of help.” From then on, every time an Israelite saw the stone erected by Samuel, he would have a tangible reminder of the Lord’s power and protection.

More than 30 years ago I remember a message on Ebenezers and being asked what the markers were in our lives to show how the Lord has helped us. The speaker took hymnals and stood them on edge on the pulpit for each of the markers in his life. It was a powerful reminder of God’s active presence in our lives.

That might be a good exercise for you. How and when in specific was there an unmistakable intervention by the Lord in your life? Try the little exercise by actually setting up markers to  encourage yourself and share the God-moments in your life.

Were there specific moments or events that shaped your life? Were there occasions where only God could divinely set up the circumstances? Can you look back and see how God has given you your heart’s desire?

Look back at your Ebenezers and thank God for His goodness.

“There is no doubt that God has brought a certain verse to the attention of one of His children in an unusual and almost miraculous manner, for a special need, but the Word was never intended to be consulted in a superstitious manner.” S. Maxwell Coder

Written by Rev. Neil Fitchthorn Rev. Neil Fichthorn is a seasoned conference and camping servant having served at Gull Lake Bible Conference, Sandy Cove Ministries as President, and an interim Executive Director at Pinebrook Bible Conference. He also served in church music for decades as a choir director and arranger. He has been Bill Welte’s mentor and friend for over 45 years.

The Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 5-8| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: “O Lord that lends me life, lend me a heart replete with thankfulness.” William Shakespeare

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; If you have found it, there is a prospect, And your hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 24:14