Title: God Who Helped You So Far
Contents
This verse tells one aspect of Israel's history. "The Lord has helped us up to this point" (verse 12) - I am not saying that he has helped us up to this point geopolitical. It can be said that you helped with time until today, but more importantly, it is a word that you have to think about existentially. We didn't come this far because we were good and smart, but God saved us. What is faith and what is grace? In a word, it is knowing the help of our Heavenly Father. Samuel's confession, "God (Ebenezer) who helped us up to this point," contains a very important content of thanks (meaning).
First, I am grateful for God's great grace in mediocrity.
People live in their ordinary lives without being conscious of God's great grace.
I live under the assumption that it is normal. It's a scolding only when something big and crazy happens. It always has been and still is. All humans are stupid. They do not realize that God prevents tribulation and allows them to avoid it. Driving a car and health problems are the same. Everyone knows that they are healthy because they drive well, so accidents do not happen and they take good care of their bodies. Then, when he came back from the haunt of dying, he made a thank-you offering. In fact, is it grace for the sick or grace for the healthy? This year too, we suffered from numerous accidents. Because of that shock, we forgot the little shock, the thought, and myself. They live by blaming and swearing at others, unaware of their own ruin. This is our reality now. Let's calm down!! Let's become mature saints who are grateful in our daily life!!
Second, we thank God for His long-suffering.
The prophet Samuel gave thanks before God, but he was giving thanks specifically. “It is said that the Lord has helped us up to this point, and he called his name Ebenezer” (verse 12) and erected a monument. It is to be remembered by the people. What does "this far" mean? It speaks of God's patience. God has been patient with us for so long. Worshiping idols, blaming God, hating brothers, stealing, jealousy, accusing, not loving, slandering, arrogant, sectarian, strife, illegitimate… Shall we talk more? Guys, we are such people. Still, God saved us and is still waiting for us. That's why Peter said, "Consider the long-suffering of our Lord as salvation" (2 Peter 3:15). I must not forget that the long-suffering of God is my salvation (1 Timothy 1:16).
Third, thank you for giving me a new start through repentance in the Word.
"Assemble all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the LORD for you" (v. 5). Samuel gathers the Israelites together at Mizpah and shouts, "Repent. Forsake your idols and serve God." All the people of Israel repent. When they repent, miracles happen. Destroy that great Philistine and win. This is what we call the Mizpah Great Crusade. God gives us the opportunity to repent and waits for us to repent. He also gives you faith to repent, courage, and the Word (power). Please believe that Yanglim Church is the altar of Mizpah today. The prophet Samuel is thankful for God's grace toward the people of Israel and erects a monument. "Ebenezer" - Thank you for the grace of God who has led you up to this point, and I pray that the monument of thanks will no longer be carved on stone tablets, but on me and your hearts. Hallelujah!!