1 Samuel 7:10-13 “While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the LORD thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. The men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along the way to a point below Beth Kar. Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far has the LORD helped us.’ So the Philistines were subdued and they stopped invading Israel’s territory.”
The Philistines were the perpetual enemy of Israel. They occupied the coastal area of Israel and were a highly organized, industrious people. They were traders with European ancestry, large (Goliath), intensely religious gods and fiercely opposed to anything Israeli. The weapon of violent weather that God used against the Philistines was perfect. They got the message. Samuel set up a rock to remind future Israelis about their rescue by God. It was a memorial service — a monument.
Principle: God defends His own. He will use whatever it takes to protect us.
Do you have a “memorial day” of some incredible thing God did for you? Certainly, Christian businesspeople have the memorial day of their salvation which explains their walk and their world view. Write this down so you have the details. Tell this story to your fellow workers, family and friends. Respond to an invitation to share your testimony and share this story with your audience. It will be a faith-builder to everyone.
Let your “Eben-Ezer” be a witness to the grace of God in your life. It is a rock of remembrance — a memorial — a monument. I know of a church called Mission Eben-Ezer in South Los Angeles where the idea of giving a testimony from the audience is welcomed and is a regular part of the service.
Discussion:
1. When did you have a spiritual “memorial day”? Recall the details.
2. When was the last time you shared this story to encourage someone else?
3. Reflect on the wonder of a God who defends His own. Thank Him today.
