Rev. Dr Emmanuel Soma
Scripture reading: 1 Samuel 7:1-17 NKJV
Then the men of Kirjath Jearim came and took the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill, and consecrated Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. [2] So it was that the ark remained in Kirjath Jearim a long time; it was there twenty years. And all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD. [3] Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, "If you return to the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths from among you, and prepare your hearts for the LORD, and serve Him only; and He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines." [4] So the children of Israel put away the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and served the LORD only. [5] And Samuel said, "Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD for you." [6] So they gathered together at Mizpah, drew water, and poured it out before the LORD. And they fasted that day, and said there, "We have sinned against the LORD." And Samuel judged the children of Israel at Mizpah. [7] Now when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel had gathered together at Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard of it, they were afraid of the Philistines. [8] So the children of Israel said to Samuel, "Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God for us, that He may save us from the hand of the Philistines." [9] And Samuel took a suckling lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. Then Samuel cried out to the LORD for Israel, and the LORD answered him. [10] Now as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the LORD thundered with a loud thunder upon the Philistines that day, and so confused them that they were overcome before Israel. [11] And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, and drove them back as far as below Beth Car. [12] 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." [13] So the Philistines were subdued, and they did not come anymore into the territory of Israel. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. [14] Then the cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron to Gath; and Israel recovered its territory from the hands of the Philistines. Also there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. [15] And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. [16] He went from year to year on a circuit to Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah, and judged Israel in all those places. [17] But he always returned to Ramah, for his home was there. There he judged Israel, and there he built an altar to the LORD.
Life moves quickly, and often we become focused on what we still need from God rather than remembering what He has already done. Yet one of the greatest sources of faith is looking back and recognizing the faithfulness of God. This is the meaning of Ebenezer, "Thus far the Lord has helped us."
Israel experienced a season of spiritual decline, defeat, and oppression. Their leaders had failed, their enemies had prevailed, and for twenty years they lived under the burden of the Philistines. It seemed as though God's favor had departed from them. Yet in their distress, Samuel called the people to return to the Lord wholeheartedly. They repented, put away their idols, fasted, and sought God sincerely.
As they gathered before the Lord, the Philistines came against them again. Instead of relying on their own strength, the Israelites cried out to God. Samuel offered a sacrifice and prayed, and the Lord answered. God thundered against the Philistines, threw them into confusion, and gave Israel a decisive victory. In response, Samuel set up a stone and named it Ebenezer, declaring, "Thus far the Lord has helped us."
That stone became a memorial of God's faithfulness. Samuel understood that people easily forget God's goodness. The memorial reminded Israel that the God who delivered them in the past would remain faithful in the future.
The same truth applies to us today. When we remember how God has protected us, provided for us, healed us, opened doors for us, and carried us through difficult seasons, our faith is strengthened. The God who helped us yesterday is still helping us today.
God's help comes in many ways. He helps us through the Holy Spirit, who guides, teaches, comforts, and strengthens us. He helps us through His power when situations are beyond our ability. He helps us through His mercy when we fall short. He helps us through His Word, His grace, His angels, and even through the people He places in our lives.
Perhaps today you need God's help in your family, work, health, ministry, or personal walk with Him. Before focusing on what is still lacking, pause and remember how far He has already brought you. Reflect on His faithfulness, give thanks, and raise your own Ebenezer in your heart.Thus far, the Lord has helped us. And the God who has been faithful in the past will remain faithful in the days ahead.
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness throughout my life. Forgive me for the times I have forgotten Your goodness. Help me to remember Your mercy, provision, protection, and love. Strengthen my faith as I look back and see how far You have brought me. As You have helped me until now, I trust You to help me in every challenge ahead. In Jesus' name, Amen.
How Did God Help the Israelites?
• Priesthood: God gave them Samuel as prophet and priest.
• Repentance: The people returned to God, put away idols, prayed and fasted.
• Prayer: They asked Samuel to continue praying for them.
• Sacrifice: Samuel offered a young lamb as a burnt offering.
• Divine Intervention: God thundered against the Philistines and gave victory.
• Restoration and Peace: Lost territory was restored.
• Memorial: Samuel raised Ebenezer as a remembrance of God’s help.
What Help of God Is Available for Us Today?
The Help of God
• The Promised Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-18; John 14:25-26; John 15:26-27; John 16:12-13; Romans 8:26).
• The Power of God (Psalm 62:11).
• The Protection of God (Psalm 121:1-8).
• The Mercy of God (Hebrews 4:14-16).
• The Word of God (Matthew 4:4).
• The Grace of God (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
The Help of Angels
• Hebrews 1:6-7, 13-14.
• Matthew 4:11.
• Psalm 91:9-13.
• Daniel 9:20-23.
The Help of Men
• John 5:5-8.
• Psalm 105:16-22.
• Genesis 2:15-18.
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
• Ephesians 4:11-16.
• 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.
• Luke 8:1-3.
Conclusion
TRUE REPENTANCE establishes the right relationship with God, allowing Him to intervene in our lives.
PRIESTHOOD AND RIGHTEOUS LEADERSHIP made the difference for Israel. As they submitted to Samuel, God protected them.
SACRIFICE AND PRAYER brought God’s intervention.
REMEMBRANCE: Ebenezer, the stone of help, became a memorial of God’s faithfulness, resulting in sustained peace, protection and help.
The help available to us includes the help of God, the help of angels, and the help of men.
Watch: https://youtu.be/p7JJDrsngds?si=aDjFAEUNifRawYLm
Listen: https://www.spirit-and-life-ministries.com/sermons/ebenezer-thus-far-the-lord-has-helped-us
