In 1 Samuel 7:12, we read of a memorial ceremony performed by Samuel, God's prophet. Following Israel's rout of the Philistines, Samuel took a rock and erected it as a sort of monument between Mizpeh and Shen. He called the rock "Ebenezer," which is two words in Hebrew meaning "stone of help." This rock memorial was to symbolize God's help in the victory over the Philistines.Whenever they saw that stone, the people were to remember God's care and aid in the past. "To this point God has been our helper." The implication of course is that just as God had brought them to this point, so he would continue to help, guide, and care for them.
This is what the second stanza of the hymn "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" is alluding to (except our hymnal changes it to "sign of victory"). It says,
"Here I raise my Ebenezer;
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home."
Today marks two years that I have been ministering here at Westerville Bible Church. I thank God for the time, the experiences, the joys (and sorrows), and for his help and strength throughout those two years. I look back and say, "To this point God has helped me." I look forward and say, "I know my faithful God will continue to help me."
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