0363. EBENEZER.

EBENEZER.

"Then Samuel took a stone, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us" (1Sa_7:12).

Every mile-stone along our life’s journey ought to be to us an Ebenezer, and will be if we have been walking in His ways. There were no Ebenezer stones raised in the far country by the prodigal. This stone set up by Samuel has many tongues. It speaks of-

I. Redemption. "Hitherto." The meaning of this word stretches away back to Egypt, and embraces the great deliverance there wrought. Our Ebenezer goes back to the Cross of Christ.

II. Preservation. "Hitherto hath." There were many dangers and temptations by the way from Egypt to Canaan, but the Lord helped all the way. This He has promised to do. What encouragement for the young convert, the weak, and the tried.

III. Answered Prayer. This stone was raised after Samuel had "cried unto the Lord and the Lord had thundered from Heaven" (Luk_11:9-10). Our Ebenezer must also bear this inscription: "I cried unto the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me."

IV. Victory. The victory mentioned here was after Samuel had "offered a young lamb" (Luk_11:9). It was victory through the Lamb. We may always triumph through the power of God’s uplifted Lamb. He who was lifted on the altar of the Cross is now lifted into the glory of the Father’s throne to give gifts unto men. They overcame by the blood of the Lamb.

V. Divine Faithfulness. "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." In looking back we can easily trace the presence and working of the hand of God in our behalf. He hath proved Himself faithful wherein He hath promised.

VI. Present Testimony. The Lord who hath helped is now helping. "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee; so that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, I will not fear" (Heb_13:5-6).

VII. Encouragement for the Future. This "hitherto" is the guarantee of henceforth. The God of our help in ages past will be our hope for years to come. The unsaved have no Ebenezer in their lives, but they may have if they will but trust that other Stone, which is tried and precious and sure (Isa_28:16).

Autor: James Smith