Today’s Devotion
Topic: Ebenezer
(Self Assessment)
Background: It is another blessed Saturday and we want to zoom straight into our weekly bible study. Many of us either sing the name “Ebenezer” or know atleast a few men called by that. But how many of us actually know how we came by that name. The divine story surrounding it and its significance. Kindly remember to share with us, the revelations the Spirit of God gives you on the subject matter.
Text: 1 Samuel 7: 5- 12
5 Then Samuel said, “Assemble all Israel at Mizpah, and I will intercede with the Lord for you.” 6 When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, “We have sinned against the Lord.”
Now Samuel was serving as leader of Israel at Mizpah. 7 When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines. 8 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.”
9 Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on Israel’s behalf, and the Lord answered him.10 While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. 11 The men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along the way to a point below Beth Kar.
12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” Amen
Questions:
- Just when Israel decided to abandon the worship of foreign gods and turn back to the Lord God Almighty, the Philistines got ready to attack them. Does this same thing happen today when a sinner turns from the world and returns to God? Explain your answer.
- Samuel took it upon himself as leader of Israel to intercede for the people. He was very committed to this. As a matter of fact, he never ceased to intercede even when the threats of the Philistines had intensified. What lesson can our spiritual leaders learn from this great prophet?
- According to vrs 10, while prayers and sacrifices were being offered to God, the enemy came close to attack. Does this happen in our walk with the Lord sometimes? Does the enemy seem too close and ready to attack even when we are praying more than before? What must a believer do in times like that?
- Not too long after the enemy had come so close that the Lord thundered with a loud thunder and caused panic within the Philistines, so Israel could attack and defeat them. What can you say about the timely deliverance of the Lord? If His deliverance is assured, why do we panic when instead, it is the enemy that should.
- Samuel placed a stone and called the place “EBENEZER”. What does EBENEZER mean, why is it relevant to have an Ebenezer in your life, a point where you reflect over your past battles and appreciate how far the Lord has brought you?
- What have you learnt from today’s discussion, what is your EBENEZER?
Kindly reply on this same social media platform (whatsapp/ Facebook). We looking forward to hearing from you, we learn a great deal from the answers you share. Click: https://youtu.be/iypIXnwvcaM
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