Hymns of hope
As I listen to hymns, I often wonder what the writer was thinking as they pinned words of encouragement and resolve, which is often the nature of hymns. One of my favorites in time of challenge is “Come Thou Font of Every Blessing” by Robert Robinson. The challenge can be one externally generated or an internal struggle that I am facing. Verse two is especially reassuring.
“Here I raise my Ebenezer, Here there by Thy help I come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God
He to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood.”
In our study from the Old Testament today we will examine the importance of remembering those times in our life, when the Lord has shown Himself strong on our behalf (2 Chronicles 16:9). A time when God was our “Ebenezer”, our stone of help.
A Prophet for tough times
1st Samuel covers a period of ninety-four years in the history of Israel. It describes the transition of leadership in Israel from judges to kings. During that time, Samuel ministered as a judge and a prophet.
Israel was under constant threat from the Philistines, a formidable enemy who frequently sought to dominate them. The Israelites had suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:1-11). The battle resulted in the capture of the Ark of the Covenant and the murder of two of its priests. This defeat was a moment of profound despair for Israel, symbolizing both a loss of military power and spiritual security.
However, in 1 Samuel 7, we see a turning point. Under Samuel’s leadership, Israel repents and returns to the Lord. They gather at the city of Mizpah (Hebrew meaning watchtower or lookout) for a time of fasting and confession of sins.
As they do, the Philistines prepare to attack again. In response, Samuel offers a burnt offering to the Lord and cries out for divine assistance. The Lord answers dramatically. He thunders with a mighty sound that throws the Philistines into confusion, allowing the Israelites to defeat them decisively.
A Stone of Help
In the aftermath of this victory, Samuel sets up a stone and names it, Ebenezer. Ebenezer is derived from the Hebrew words “Eben” meaning “stone” and “Ezer” meanings “help” or “helper.” When combined, Ebenezer translates to “stone of help” or “stone of salvation.”
The raising of the Ebenezer stone is not only a commemoration of a single victory, but also, a testament to the transformation of the people’s hearts. They moved from a place of despair and defeat to one of hope and divine assurance. The Ebenezer stone stands as a historical marker of God’s intervention and the power of collective repentance and prayer. This act signified a new chapter of divine favor and renewed faithfulness among the Israelites.
Samuel knew that the LORD would be Israel’s source of protection and defense, regardless of the enemy. The expression, “Thus far the LORD has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12, NKJ) highlights the fact that the Lord was the one responsible for getting Israel to this point.
Is this also not true for our lives? Has it not been God who has safely brought us to this place today? Will God not continue to do so as we repent and cry out for His deliverance?
Raising our Stone of Help
Raising our “stone of help” is critical as we face the challenges of the 21st century. In times of trouble, we tend to focus on the enormity of the problem rather than the greatness of God. We often forget our true identity in Christ and transfer our trust to the fleeting security of a world that is fading away (1 John 2:17).
We, like Samuel, must remember not only the things which God has delivered us from, but also, celebrate the place God has transported us to. That place represents “God’s grace” for our life in that moment of need: peace, love, joy, provision and protection.
Raising our “stone of help” will result in renewed confidence even in the worst of circumstances. Our trust lies not within ourselves but in God who is dedicated to our well-being. Why? Because we are His beloved children (1 John 3:1) and are of great value to Him (Luke 12:6). Let us continually lift praises to God, our Stone of help, for His unfailing love and protection. Thank you, Father God, for it is “Here by Thy help I come.”