Sunday May 30, 2021
Memorial Rock
Twenty years earlier, the Philistines had completely routed the Israelites on this very same battlefield (1 Sam.4:1-2). After two prior defeats, we can surmise that the morale of the soldiers was down. But the Lord can always turn a place of defeat into a place of victory. As the battle begins, Scripture says,
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. (1 Sam.7:10)
And here, in response to Samuel’s prayer, the Israelites soundly defeated their bitter enemy. Samuel then sets up a stone of remembrance called the Ebenezer to commemorate not only the victory over the Philistines, but the divine assistance granted to Israel.
Along our journey of faith we remember many things…the day we were saved, the date of our baptism, the dedication of children, or the moment we heard the call of the Lord. Sometimes we are reminded of birthdays, anniversaries, and even a death.
To commemorate these times, our hearts reflect on the memories that surrounded that event. But when was the last time our hearts remembered hearing His voice? Or when did we stop and ponder the wonder of our salvation? Do we even pause and consider the times He has healed or delivered us?
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. (Ps.77:11 NIV)
Samuel did more than simply stop and reflect on the Israelite victory. He placed a rock of remembrance…a physical reminder of God’s faithfulness, goodness, and mercy. It would be a constant reminder that the Lord accomplishes amazing victories for His children. (See WORD WISDOM for a deeper study of goodness)
Ebenezer means, “stone of help.” That’s what remembering does…it helps us to believe He will do it again. He will deliver us. He will rescue us. He will restore us. He will see us through. He will never leave us in defeat.
Ebenezer moments are times when you know without a doubt that God has intervened in your life. You realize that only God could have allowed the outcomes you have experienced. His help has brought you through.
Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments spoken by His mouth. (Ps.105:5)
Today, we can have an Ebenezer in our lives. We can remember the times that God has shown us wisdom, guidance, and mercy. Ebenezer is a word with power and importance. We may read over it in Scripture without a second thought. But what we need to understand is the importance of this word to not just Samuel and the Israelites, but to us in the 21st century.
Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” (Ps.103:2 NLT)
Christians can raise their Ebenezer because God is our stone of help. He is solid and will help us through the times of trials. We all have had times when we know that without God, we would not have made it through. That’s when we can raise our Ebenezer and remember the grace bestowed on us all.
