Ebenezer: Thus Far God Has Helped Us


Ebenezer is a name you'll hear as the Christmas season approaches. Most of us are familiar with the Charles Dickens' classic, "A Christmas Carol," where we encountered the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Although Scrooge would become known for his, "Bah Humbug," attitude toward Christmas, the name Ebenezer actually has a great meaning.

The prophet Samuel named a location Ebenezer declaring, "Thus far the LORD has helped us." I Samuel 7:12

Samuel set up a memorial stone to help them to never forget how far God had brought them. The location is mentioned in a different passage when Israel was facing their enemies, the Philistines, in an upcoming battle. The Philistines would win a mighty victory over God's chosen people, and tragically 4,000 soldiers would lose their lives. The setting for that battle is found in this passage.

"The Israelite army was camped near Ebenezer," I Samuel 4:1

I don't know if you caught that, but the word "near" sure does stand out. They were actually right by Ebenezer, but not actually in it. It's not really enough to be close to where God has helped you though. We want to be where God is...where God moves...where God helps. 

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1

Let's not dwell near God. Let's dwell with God. God wants more than random church attendance. He wants to live in a close relationship with us. 

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1. 

When I was school there was always that random student who answered, "present," during the taking of attendance instead of, "here," like all the normal kids. Let's be present with the God who is "ever-present" with us.

Following the Son,
James A Williams


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