April 31st, 2020 – Morning Devotional With Pastor Dan
Read: (1 Samuel 7:1-12)
What do you think of when you hear the word “Ebenezer”? You might remember the motion picture “A Christmas Carol” where Ebenezer Scrooge is unkind and expresses his dislike for Christmas until some ghostly visitors teach him a few lessons concerning his life.
But the Bible is much older than the Charles Dickens story. In the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel named a rock Ebenezer! Have you ever thought od naming a rock by that name? Samuel and other Israelites were gathered in a town called Mizpah when they came under attack from a violent group of people called the Philistines. The frightened Israelites asked Samuel to pray for God’s help, so Samuel prayed for protection, and God listened. Of course you are familiar with the account, especially since you just read it. And so the Israelites defeated the Philistines!
The Bible tells us what happened next: “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’” (1 Samuel 7:12 ). Samuel used the rock to remind his people that God had helped them and to thank their Creator for saving them. Now, what do you think about that? Is there someone you are reading this devotion with? Maybe it’s just you. But ask this question to yourself or to the group? “What could you use as your own Ebenezer – an object that will remind you to thank God for helping you?” Hasn’t God always been there for us? Hasn’t God always provided for His own? Hasn’t God always helped us? Then maybe we should have an “Ebenezer” that reminds us that God has helped us. Some way to remember that God is with us and we don’t need to be afraid. Now I am not saying to create for yourselves an idol, but I am saying having something in your life that will remind you that the Lord is faithful, and will always be there for you. For me, it’s His Word!
(Joshua 1:9 – NKJV)…..”Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Over and over the Bible tells us to not be afraid. When you stop and think about it – it’s ridiculous to be afraid when God is with you, and for you. Where is your Ebenezer?