HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div

“Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12

I can still gather lessons from Samuel’s Ebenezer pillar. If I am God’s child, what does it say to me — the great stone between Mizpah and Shen?

1. Be mindful of the glorious past. He has done marvellous things for you. He saved you when you were on the verge of destruction. He sustains you, changing even burdens into wings which help you heavenward. O strong, sweet grace of God, with which He has saved and sustained you!

2. Be thankful for the brightened present. Where is your trophy, your pillar with its inscription, your monument? Your lips should be singing His praise. Your conversation should be recounting His mercies. Your life should be devoted to His service. Bless Him, and do not forget all His benefits.

3. Be hopeful for the unknown future. He will never fail you — He will never forsake you. As a good man wrote three centuries ago: “Not if every grain of dust were an Ahithophel, and gave counsel against us; not if every sand on the shore were a Rabshakeh, and railed against us; not if every atom in the air were a Satan; not if every drop in the sea were an Abaddon, an Apollyon — there will be no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”

It is this threefold lesson which I read on Samuel’s pillar. And every part of the legend is full of significance for me.