Today’s devotion comes from 1 Samuel 7:12-17.
“Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” So the Philistines were subdued and they did not come anymore within the border of Israel. And the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. The cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even to Gath; and Israel delivered their territory from the hand of the Philistines. So there was peace between Israel and the Amorites.
Now Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. He used to go annually on circuit to Bethel and Gilgal and Mizpah, and he judged Israel in all these places. Then his return was to Ramah, for his house was there, and there he judged Israel; and he built there an altar to the LORD.” 1 Samuel 7:12-17.
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At different times, we see the people of Israel set up a stone or more stones to memorialize an event in which the LORD helped them. The stones helped them remember the event and help build their faith in the LORD. The stones also remind them to give thanks and praise to the LORD for His help. The following is an example when the people of Israel set up stones as a memorial of when the LORD miraculously helped them cross the Jordan.
“Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:6-7.
When you hike through a wilderness, particularly out west, you may see a stack of stones. The persons who placed them may have different motives, but one common motive is to help fellow hikers by giving them a navigational marker to help them stay on a trail.
So to speak, what stones have you set up to remind you and others of God’s help?
As one example, I write these Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions as my stones to remind myself and others of God’s help. Often, you will read an exclamation in them such as “But, there is hope!“
The origin of these Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions were “Letters to Harry” written mostly during the early 1990’s, about my meditations on God’s Word and my attempts to apply it to my struggles in life during that time. If or when you may want to read these “Letters to Harry” now labeled “Gold Mining”, you may click the “Gold Mining” Headnote link or page at the top of my web site. Here is a direct link – Gold Mining
God’s words are better than gold.
“7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 