SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1243

“Ebenezer”

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” – 1 Samuel 7:12

Samuel had gathered the people of Israel at Mizpah for a time of repentance and renewal because of their sins. The Philistines decided that this was a good time to attack them. The people cried out to the Lord and He delivered them victorious over their enemy. Samuel then set up a stone of remembrance and named it ‘Ebenezer ‘which means ‘Stone of Help’.

We have an ‘Ebenezer Stone’ on our kitchen counter. It is a continual reminder of the Lord’s faithfulness, mercy, and love. Knowing the context from 1 Samuel, it is also a continual reminder to repent of our sins that we, oh so easily gravitate to.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. – 1 John 1:8-10

Look to your past – and see how the Lord, your rock of salvation has helped you. He provided the means for forgiveness of your sins, salvation, and eternal life through Jesus.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. – John 3:16-17

Therefore, thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’” – Isaiah 28:16

Look at the present – He is an ever-present help in the time of your need.

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint; I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Isaiah 40:31; Philippians 4:13

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. – 2 Corinthians 6:1-2

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth; So, we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” – Psalm 124:8; Hebrews 13:6

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber… The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. – Psalm 121:1-6

Look to the future –His help is eternal – Jesus came so that through Him we can have His indwelling Spirit here and for eternity.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever; But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. – John 14:16,26

But the Lord God helps me; therefore, I have not been disgraced; therefore, I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. – Isaiah 50:7

The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. – Psalm 121:7-8

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

I am overwhelmed every day by the Lord’s unfailing love, provision, and help in every aspect of my daily life. Nothing seems too small and insignificant that His ‘fingerprints’ aren’t all over it. He truly is our ever-present help.

Is Jesus your ‘Ebenezer Stone’? Is He the foundation rock that you rely upon for everything?

“Till now the Lord has helped us.” May you recognize that the Lord has been, and is your help from yourpast, into your present, and all your future ‘nows’ into eternity with Him.

May you be overwhelmed with praise and thanksgiving as you rejoice in His abiding presence as your ‘Ebenezer Stone’.