rjones
Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2007
- Messages
- 314
1 Samuel 7:10-12 Now as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the Lord thundered with a loud thunder upon the Philistines that day, and so confused them that they were overcome before Israel. And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and drove them back as far as below Beth Car. Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
The place was important, because some 20 years before, the nation had suffered a terrible defeat and had surrendered the Ark of the Covenant at the same place (1 Samuel 4:1). Now, the place could be remembered for something great, instead of something terrible.
Samuel knew the nation needed to remember this amazing victory, which came to a humble and repentant Israel. This battle was won by the Lord, not by Israel, so he named the stone Ebenezer, which means “stone of help.”
Samuel knew the Lord had done a great work; yet he knew there was much more to be accomplished. So, he knew it was not finished, yet he could say, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” God helps us thus far at a time, and His past work is a pledge of future help.
I can remember that my father placed an Ebenezer stone in our flower garden at home some 30 years ago. I never understood what significance it had until now.
As my family is preparing to move into a new home, I'm determined to erect an Ebenezer stone in our flower garden as well.
Our God is so amazing and I'm in awe of how He speaks to us through His Word and Holy Spirit. It's no coincidence that now at this time this subject has been revealed to me.
It's been 3 years now since I completely surrendered to Jesus and made Him my LORD and savior. I now live "in Christ" to serve Him completely.
I was wondering if anyone else has an Ebenezer stone of remembrance?
God bless.
The place was important, because some 20 years before, the nation had suffered a terrible defeat and had surrendered the Ark of the Covenant at the same place (1 Samuel 4:1). Now, the place could be remembered for something great, instead of something terrible.
Samuel knew the nation needed to remember this amazing victory, which came to a humble and repentant Israel. This battle was won by the Lord, not by Israel, so he named the stone Ebenezer, which means “stone of help.”
Samuel knew the Lord had done a great work; yet he knew there was much more to be accomplished. So, he knew it was not finished, yet he could say, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” God helps us thus far at a time, and His past work is a pledge of future help.
I can remember that my father placed an Ebenezer stone in our flower garden at home some 30 years ago. I never understood what significance it had until now.
As my family is preparing to move into a new home, I'm determined to erect an Ebenezer stone in our flower garden as well.
Our God is so amazing and I'm in awe of how He speaks to us through His Word and Holy Spirit. It's no coincidence that now at this time this subject has been revealed to me.
It's been 3 years now since I completely surrendered to Jesus and made Him my LORD and savior. I now live "in Christ" to serve Him completely.
I was wondering if anyone else has an Ebenezer stone of remembrance?
God bless.
