The Lord Our Helper

Posted on Apr 24, 2023 in Devotions |

Introduction: Thank God for the “Ebenezer’s” in our life! I love the account of “The Lord helping” Israel through Samuel the prophet over the Philistines, more specifically with the return of the Ark of the Covenant, which represented the presence of the Lord (the enemy had it 7 months).

Here is the following account:

1. The Problem! (1 Sam 7:1-2)

“And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. 2And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.”

The enemy – the Philistines – had taken the ark of the covenant, but paid severely for it! See what happened to them…. hemorrhoids!! Finally, the men of Israel went and “fetched” it back. Sometimes we have to take back what the enemy has stolen.

2. God’s Solution! (1 Sam 7:3-4)

“And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 4Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.”

Our Lord is able to take back the “ground” the enemy has taken but notice the prerequisite – “ONLY SERVE the LORD”! Please do not think that God is going to fight our battles if we do not SERVE HIM!

I love what Jesus said:

“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” (John 12:26)

Conclusion: Here is the bottom line…

“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.”

Indeed, the Lord is our helper!

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese