2026 Thanksgiving Special, EBENEZER, “So far has the Lord helped us.”
Special
Author
Admin
Date
2026-10-11 16:21
Views
14
EBENEZER, “So far has the Lord helped us.”
1 Samuel 7
Israel had been under Philistine oppression for twenty years. Samuel gathered the Israelites at Mizpah. The Philistines launched a massive attack, but Israel achieved a great victory there through God's help.
Samuel named Mizpah, "Ebenezer"—meaning "Stone of Help"—signifying "Thus far He has helped us" (v 12). It embodies a mixture of gratitude for the past, joy in the present and assurance for the future. It is a confession that God is our Helper.
We are here not by our own strength, but through God's help. Psalm 94:17 says, “Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.” Can you even imagine what it would be like without God's help? we would have remained in the darkness of death. We learn how the Israelites experienced Ebenezer.
First, repentance
According to verse 2, the ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time—twenty years in all. In Samuel 4, the Israelites took the ark of God in the tabernacle in Shiloh to the war against the Philistines. They used the ark of God like a talisman (charm). But they were thoroughly defeated and the ark was captured by the Philistines. As a result, for 20 years, worship was stopped. The people of Israel became dry like dried firewood because they did not worship God.
Some believers stop worship with this and that reason. Are they free and happy? No. Their souls become dry, thirsty and dark. No presence of God and worship are the time of dryness of man’s soul.
Verse 2b says, “All the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.” They began to long for God’s presence. This is the beginning to experience the salvation of God. Jesus says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
Those who are without God live in the pattern of the Book of Judges: apostasy (doing evil, God’s judgment (servitude), lamentation and supplication, salvation and sinning again. It is foolish. Still, when man laments and cries out to God, God saves us.
Some ask, “When does my suffering and pain end?” It ends when we lament and longs for God. It is a blessing when we shed tears during worship and prayer.
Samuel knows that mourning is not enough. Look at verse 3. “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreth and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”
Baal (v4) is a male god of agriculture and prosperity. Baal rules the business world and financial markets. In our generation, money and success are number one priority under Baal worship. Ashtoreth is goddess of fertility, lust and immorality. She promises physical pleasure and emotional fulfillment.
Under Baal and Ashtoreth, money dominant lifestyle, free sex, abortion, divorce, multiple partners, pornography are widely spreading and condoned. Baal and Ashtoreth try to make the world erase the name, Jesus, the Lord and Savior.
Nowadays, instead of greeting, “Merry Christmas,” the world uses “Happy Holidays,” or “Season’s greetings.”
At Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration, Bishop Silvester Beaman prayed in the name of various gods including Hindu. Once, a Korean pastor Rhu UngLyul was invited to U.S Congress. He was strongly warned not to pray in the name of Jesus. But he ended his prayer in Jesus’ name. Then he received a standing ovation and gratitude from the congress.
Repentance is first, returning to God that is to restore the creation order, ‘God-man-material.’ It is a change of direction—turning toward God from me and the world, moving from a state of "no God" to "with God." In many areas of our lives, God is absent.
A student said, “Today is my friend’s birthday. I have to go there. So, I can’t come to church.” So, embarrassing! Is God less important than his friend's birthday? We disregard God often thoughtlessly. We treat God lightly and obscure His glory. I don’t think we can do everything perfectly, but living a life that reveals God’s glory—isn't that the most precious and valuable?
Repentance is secondly removing Baal and Ashtaroth in our lives. Baal’s motto is, “work hard, make more money and have fun.” In God’s promised land, instead of living as a kingdom of priests and holy nation, the Israelites began to envious of Baal worshippers. “Look, they worship Baal and Ashtaroth. Still, their harvest are abundant and they enjoy lots of fun.” So, when they farmed, they worshiped Baal. On Sundays, they went to church. This is fusion, the mixture of Christianity and mammonism (Mammon is a god of money). This is syncretism.
We are influenced by consumerism and Mammonism. Now, not a few Christians pursue Bible plus success, easy life, worldly recognition and pleasures. Then what happens? Is life more abundant, happy, safe and livable? No worship and no holy life and no mission carrying life are indeed empty, dry and destructive. So, Samuel challenged the Israelites, “Remove Baal and serve God only.” Yes, this is the answer.
Life consists of two; 50 % is repentance and the other 50 % is obedience. Life with no repentance and obedience is like chasing wind. It is meaningless and ends in destruction. So, King Solomon concluded, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come. Fear God and keep his commandments.” The first message by our Lord Jesus is, “Repent, for the kingdom of God has come.”
Second: worship and prayer.
Look at verse 5-6. Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the LORD for you.” Before the war, they first gathered to worship God and pray to Him.
Worship may look unproductive. Yet nothing is more productive than worship, for the hand of God is with us when we worship Him. Today, there are people who skip worship to study, earn money, or travel. In their minds, worship is unproductive. They think, "I can make a better life by my efforts.” Who told you to live like that?
We Christian believe that God made the Sabbath day to bless us. God opens a door of productive academic performance, job, business, health, marriage and future when we worship Him. Then, what are you trying to prove? How long will you chase after Baal? Some people easily skip worship service whenever they are busy, tired, or facing a problem. No spine, no guts.
Look at verse 7. When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. The Philistines laughed loudly, "Look these crazy guys. Worshipping in the middle of a war? They’re ruining themselves." That is how the world views us: "Look at those fools—during a midterm, instead of going to the library, during break, instead of traveling, they worship, pray and study the Bible.” But victory and blessings come from God.
Do you think worldly people feel safe and happy just because they have money and travel here and there? Worship God, open the Bible, kneel in prayer and teach the Bible. You will know the meaning and power of life from God. I truly want you to testify that doing these leads to victory. Look at Sunday’s family, Misha and Uche. They are victorious.
Look at verse 9. He cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him. Before the national and induvial crisis, Samuel and the Israelites simply knelt down to cry out to the Lord, God . Then God gave them victory. He struck down the Philistines.
To the world, the church does things that make no sense. To the people of the world, we look foolish. We come to Sunday worship service even before exams on Monday and during the break. Some Christians offer a tithe to God though they are tight on money. By worldly standard, this looks foolish and even destructive. Yet, we triumph.
Folks, is any crisis in you? Do you want to excel in your studies? Do you want to establish a good career? Do you want to lead many souls to God? Then, kneel down first. Jeremiah 33:3 says, ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
Third, complete devotion
Look at verse 9. “Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD.” Not partial but whole burnt offering to the Lord, this is the way to become victorious.
Our Lord, Jesus offered himself to God as a whole burnt offering for the sin of the world. His body and blood were offered to God 100 % to save sinners. Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
We are under crisis. What can we do? What can save us? Samuel said, “Gather at Mizpah. I will intercede with the Lord for you.” Jesus interceded with the Lord for sinners like us, “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they are doing.”
1 Cor 6:20 says, “You were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own. So then, honor and glorify God with your body.” This is whole devotion and sacrifice.
Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” The people who have received salvation from devil and eternal hell by he blood of Jesus belong to Jesus.
Time, this is not your time, but God’s. Youth is to serve Him. Money and job are not yours. God has given job and money to you to use them to serve Him.
Nothing what I have is not mine but God’s. “A whole burnt offering,” this is 100 % devotion to God. When I offer myself to God completely, God is responsible for my life and he helps me. Let’s be honesty. We are worried and fearful though we come to God? Why? It is because we offer half or one third or one hundredth to God. We offer God minimum.
We experience the help of God when we offer ourselves to God through worship, prayer and mission. God helps you me!
The Philistines had an iron civilization. The Israelites were still in the bronze age. However, they won over the Philistines by the help of God.
We are still in the bronze age. We are surrounded and attacked by the iron civilization, cutting edge technology and knowledge (me, money and pleasure centered world). But when there is complete devotion, God helps us and something unexplainable things are happening. I want you to experience it. A life of faith is to experience the help of God.
Read verse 7 and 8. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines. They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” When the Israelites had been attacked by their enemies, they used to run away or complain to their leaders. Even now, some believes run away when they face hardships and difficulties. They leave the place of worship, prayer and gospel work.
Today, let’s look at the Israelites. Though they became afraid, they neither run away nor complained. Instead, they came to their spiritual leader, Samuel and asked for prayer support. They were changed.
In your life, the devil tempts or attacks you through exams, job, finance, health marriage or career problem. At that time, do not run away. Do not complain. Instead, worship God and pray to Him with spiritual people. This is courage.
Courage is not to fear but keep trusting in God and doing the His work. In September, Canada lost 68,000 jobs. Many are worried and anxious. Yes, we are afraid too. However, do not run away. Do not complain. Instead, keep coming to worship God and crying out to Him. This is faith. Then God helps you. Do you believe it?
Fourth, remember God who helps you, ‘Ebenezer.’
Read verse 12. Samuel set up a monument and named it Ebenezer. Ebenezer means, “So far has the Lord helped us.” It is important to remember God’s help.
Robert Robinson believed in Jesus by the sermons of George Whitefield when he was 17. But he had a lot of ups and downs. One day, he was moved by God who still accepted him. Out of gratitude, he composed a poem named “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” that became a hymn song. However, as time passed, his faith became again shaken. In order to forget everything, he took a trip. In the carriage, she met a woman who had deep faith in Jesus. Robinson felt guilty and wanted to get out of the carriage but couldn’t. He had to hear her life testimony continually. She showed him a book and indicated a hymn song. “Sir, this song has influenced on me greatly to keep my faith in God and worship Him.” It was the poem he had composed. Robinson confessed with tears that he had lived with doubt and secularity. The woman delivered God’s limitless love to him by singing the song, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
Today, what I am here is not by my own strength or effort. Of course, it is not that I didn’t do anything. I have struggled a lot. However, what I am here until now is by the help of God. And I remember our church’s precious brothers and coworkers such as Sunday and Grace and many students who have been praying for me and serving our church. I give thanks to God who has helped us thus far.
Then what will happen to us? First, throughout Samuel’s lifetime, the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines. God’s protection. Second, the towns captured by the Philistines were restored. This is prosperity. Third. There was peace between Israel and the Amorites. Peace.
God is the Lord. He has helped us through Jesus Christ, the Mediator between God and you me.
1 Samuel 7
Israel had been under Philistine oppression for twenty years. Samuel gathered the Israelites at Mizpah. The Philistines launched a massive attack, but Israel achieved a great victory there through God's help.
Samuel named Mizpah, "Ebenezer"—meaning "Stone of Help"—signifying "Thus far He has helped us" (v 12). It embodies a mixture of gratitude for the past, joy in the present and assurance for the future. It is a confession that God is our Helper.
We are here not by our own strength, but through God's help. Psalm 94:17 says, “Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.” Can you even imagine what it would be like without God's help? we would have remained in the darkness of death. We learn how the Israelites experienced Ebenezer.
First, repentance
According to verse 2, the ark remained at Kiriath Jearim a long time—twenty years in all. In Samuel 4, the Israelites took the ark of God in the tabernacle in Shiloh to the war against the Philistines. They used the ark of God like a talisman (charm). But they were thoroughly defeated and the ark was captured by the Philistines. As a result, for 20 years, worship was stopped. The people of Israel became dry like dried firewood because they did not worship God.
Some believers stop worship with this and that reason. Are they free and happy? No. Their souls become dry, thirsty and dark. No presence of God and worship are the time of dryness of man’s soul.
Verse 2b says, “All the house of Israel lamented after the Lord.” They began to long for God’s presence. This is the beginning to experience the salvation of God. Jesus says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)
Those who are without God live in the pattern of the Book of Judges: apostasy (doing evil, God’s judgment (servitude), lamentation and supplication, salvation and sinning again. It is foolish. Still, when man laments and cries out to God, God saves us.
Some ask, “When does my suffering and pain end?” It ends when we lament and longs for God. It is a blessing when we shed tears during worship and prayer.
Samuel knows that mourning is not enough. Look at verse 3. “If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreth and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”
Baal (v4) is a male god of agriculture and prosperity. Baal rules the business world and financial markets. In our generation, money and success are number one priority under Baal worship. Ashtoreth is goddess of fertility, lust and immorality. She promises physical pleasure and emotional fulfillment.
Under Baal and Ashtoreth, money dominant lifestyle, free sex, abortion, divorce, multiple partners, pornography are widely spreading and condoned. Baal and Ashtoreth try to make the world erase the name, Jesus, the Lord and Savior.
Nowadays, instead of greeting, “Merry Christmas,” the world uses “Happy Holidays,” or “Season’s greetings.”
At Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration, Bishop Silvester Beaman prayed in the name of various gods including Hindu. Once, a Korean pastor Rhu UngLyul was invited to U.S Congress. He was strongly warned not to pray in the name of Jesus. But he ended his prayer in Jesus’ name. Then he received a standing ovation and gratitude from the congress.
Repentance is first, returning to God that is to restore the creation order, ‘God-man-material.’ It is a change of direction—turning toward God from me and the world, moving from a state of "no God" to "with God." In many areas of our lives, God is absent.
A student said, “Today is my friend’s birthday. I have to go there. So, I can’t come to church.” So, embarrassing! Is God less important than his friend's birthday? We disregard God often thoughtlessly. We treat God lightly and obscure His glory. I don’t think we can do everything perfectly, but living a life that reveals God’s glory—isn't that the most precious and valuable?
Repentance is secondly removing Baal and Ashtaroth in our lives. Baal’s motto is, “work hard, make more money and have fun.” In God’s promised land, instead of living as a kingdom of priests and holy nation, the Israelites began to envious of Baal worshippers. “Look, they worship Baal and Ashtaroth. Still, their harvest are abundant and they enjoy lots of fun.” So, when they farmed, they worshiped Baal. On Sundays, they went to church. This is fusion, the mixture of Christianity and mammonism (Mammon is a god of money). This is syncretism.
We are influenced by consumerism and Mammonism. Now, not a few Christians pursue Bible plus success, easy life, worldly recognition and pleasures. Then what happens? Is life more abundant, happy, safe and livable? No worship and no holy life and no mission carrying life are indeed empty, dry and destructive. So, Samuel challenged the Israelites, “Remove Baal and serve God only.” Yes, this is the answer.
Life consists of two; 50 % is repentance and the other 50 % is obedience. Life with no repentance and obedience is like chasing wind. It is meaningless and ends in destruction. So, King Solomon concluded, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come. Fear God and keep his commandments.” The first message by our Lord Jesus is, “Repent, for the kingdom of God has come.”
Second: worship and prayer.
Look at verse 5-6. Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the LORD for you.” Before the war, they first gathered to worship God and pray to Him.
Worship may look unproductive. Yet nothing is more productive than worship, for the hand of God is with us when we worship Him. Today, there are people who skip worship to study, earn money, or travel. In their minds, worship is unproductive. They think, "I can make a better life by my efforts.” Who told you to live like that?
We Christian believe that God made the Sabbath day to bless us. God opens a door of productive academic performance, job, business, health, marriage and future when we worship Him. Then, what are you trying to prove? How long will you chase after Baal? Some people easily skip worship service whenever they are busy, tired, or facing a problem. No spine, no guts.
Look at verse 7. When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. The Philistines laughed loudly, "Look these crazy guys. Worshipping in the middle of a war? They’re ruining themselves." That is how the world views us: "Look at those fools—during a midterm, instead of going to the library, during break, instead of traveling, they worship, pray and study the Bible.” But victory and blessings come from God.
Do you think worldly people feel safe and happy just because they have money and travel here and there? Worship God, open the Bible, kneel in prayer and teach the Bible. You will know the meaning and power of life from God. I truly want you to testify that doing these leads to victory. Look at Sunday’s family, Misha and Uche. They are victorious.
Look at verse 9. He cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him. Before the national and induvial crisis, Samuel and the Israelites simply knelt down to cry out to the Lord, God . Then God gave them victory. He struck down the Philistines.
To the world, the church does things that make no sense. To the people of the world, we look foolish. We come to Sunday worship service even before exams on Monday and during the break. Some Christians offer a tithe to God though they are tight on money. By worldly standard, this looks foolish and even destructive. Yet, we triumph.
Folks, is any crisis in you? Do you want to excel in your studies? Do you want to establish a good career? Do you want to lead many souls to God? Then, kneel down first. Jeremiah 33:3 says, ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
Third, complete devotion
Look at verse 9. “Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD.” Not partial but whole burnt offering to the Lord, this is the way to become victorious.
Our Lord, Jesus offered himself to God as a whole burnt offering for the sin of the world. His body and blood were offered to God 100 % to save sinners. Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
We are under crisis. What can we do? What can save us? Samuel said, “Gather at Mizpah. I will intercede with the Lord for you.” Jesus interceded with the Lord for sinners like us, “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they are doing.”
1 Cor 6:20 says, “You were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own. So then, honor and glorify God with your body.” This is whole devotion and sacrifice.
Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” The people who have received salvation from devil and eternal hell by he blood of Jesus belong to Jesus.
Time, this is not your time, but God’s. Youth is to serve Him. Money and job are not yours. God has given job and money to you to use them to serve Him.
Nothing what I have is not mine but God’s. “A whole burnt offering,” this is 100 % devotion to God. When I offer myself to God completely, God is responsible for my life and he helps me. Let’s be honesty. We are worried and fearful though we come to God? Why? It is because we offer half or one third or one hundredth to God. We offer God minimum.
We experience the help of God when we offer ourselves to God through worship, prayer and mission. God helps you me!
The Philistines had an iron civilization. The Israelites were still in the bronze age. However, they won over the Philistines by the help of God.
We are still in the bronze age. We are surrounded and attacked by the iron civilization, cutting edge technology and knowledge (me, money and pleasure centered world). But when there is complete devotion, God helps us and something unexplainable things are happening. I want you to experience it. A life of faith is to experience the help of God.
Read verse 7 and 8. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines. They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” When the Israelites had been attacked by their enemies, they used to run away or complain to their leaders. Even now, some believes run away when they face hardships and difficulties. They leave the place of worship, prayer and gospel work.
Today, let’s look at the Israelites. Though they became afraid, they neither run away nor complained. Instead, they came to their spiritual leader, Samuel and asked for prayer support. They were changed.
In your life, the devil tempts or attacks you through exams, job, finance, health marriage or career problem. At that time, do not run away. Do not complain. Instead, worship God and pray to Him with spiritual people. This is courage.
Courage is not to fear but keep trusting in God and doing the His work. In September, Canada lost 68,000 jobs. Many are worried and anxious. Yes, we are afraid too. However, do not run away. Do not complain. Instead, keep coming to worship God and crying out to Him. This is faith. Then God helps you. Do you believe it?
Fourth, remember God who helps you, ‘Ebenezer.’
Read verse 12. Samuel set up a monument and named it Ebenezer. Ebenezer means, “So far has the Lord helped us.” It is important to remember God’s help.
Robert Robinson believed in Jesus by the sermons of George Whitefield when he was 17. But he had a lot of ups and downs. One day, he was moved by God who still accepted him. Out of gratitude, he composed a poem named “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” that became a hymn song. However, as time passed, his faith became again shaken. In order to forget everything, he took a trip. In the carriage, she met a woman who had deep faith in Jesus. Robinson felt guilty and wanted to get out of the carriage but couldn’t. He had to hear her life testimony continually. She showed him a book and indicated a hymn song. “Sir, this song has influenced on me greatly to keep my faith in God and worship Him.” It was the poem he had composed. Robinson confessed with tears that he had lived with doubt and secularity. The woman delivered God’s limitless love to him by singing the song, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
Today, what I am here is not by my own strength or effort. Of course, it is not that I didn’t do anything. I have struggled a lot. However, what I am here until now is by the help of God. And I remember our church’s precious brothers and coworkers such as Sunday and Grace and many students who have been praying for me and serving our church. I give thanks to God who has helped us thus far.
Then what will happen to us? First, throughout Samuel’s lifetime, the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines. God’s protection. Second, the towns captured by the Philistines were restored. This is prosperity. Third. There was peace between Israel and the Amorites. Peace.
God is the Lord. He has helped us through Jesus Christ, the Mediator between God and you me.