Ebenezer

Samuel took a stone . . . and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” — 1 Samuel 7:12

In Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the central character is Ebenezer Scrooge. As a boy, I enjoyed watching the old black-and-white version of that movie with Alastair Sim portraying Scrooge. Sim did a phenomenal job presenting the heartless, miserly, self-centered Scrooge. I still look in the television schedule each Christmas to learn when I can watch that particular rendition of Dickens’ tale.

Years of watching the travails of Scrooge have spoiled something for me though — the name of “Ebenezer.” I have associated it with Scrooge, but its original meaning was light-years away from that. In 1 Samuel, following a decisive battle with the Philistines, the Israelites erected a stone as a reminder of the Lord’s help in the battle. They named that stone Ebenezer, which means “Stone of Help,” to remind people of how God rescued them from their enemies (7:12).

What a contrast! A name that I had come to associate with man’s selfishness can actually serve as a reminder of the readily available help of God. As we move through life, may we focus on the faithfulness of the Lord and not the selfishness of man. Let’s look to Him as our true Ebenezer — our help in the challenge of life. — Bill Crowder

God’s faithfulness we’ve known throughout the years,

His oneness with us in our joys and tears;

So many times the Lord has helped us through,

Has answered prayer and given strength anew. — E. Hess

READ: Psalm 42:1-5

Our only hope here below is help from God above.

The Bible in one year:

• Micah 6-7

• Proverbs 25:15-28