My Ebenezer

There is an intersection, not far from our house, that I used to drive through almost daily when our kids were in high school. One early evening in the Fall of 1997, I was coming home from watching one of Ben’s games, when a vehicle suddenly crossed in front of me, without stopping at the stop sign he had. At the speed I was traveling I had no chance to avoid him. All I had time for was a prayer of a few words as I faced the inevitable, a most helpless feeling.

I was not aware of what happened next but, apparently, as I T-boned the other vehicle, it spun and hit me on the side as well. All I know, is that I thought I was breathing my last, as the airbags most likely knocked the air out of me.
One doesn’t forget this kind of an experience. Thankfully no one was seriously injured this time, and it wasn’t long after this accident, that a traffic light was installed at that intersection. But, although it’s been more than ten years, I will often say a prayer of thanks when I cross it now. I think of how life could have changed from that moment . . . just a normal everyday moment. God said it was not time yet, and He held out His hand, for which I am so thankful!

In the book of Joshua we read of how God opened up a way for the children of Israel to cross the Jordan on dry land. When they had crossed over, the Lord told them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan and place them at the site they would be staying the night.

This monument was to signify to future generations God’s care for them at a particular time.

Another story of God’s care and protection is recorded in 1 Samuel. At this time Samuel took a stone and set it up, naming it Ebenezer and saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

Throughout the Bible we are reminded to remember what God has done.

On the night that the Lord Jesus was betrayed, when He had given thanks, He broke the bread and said, "This is my body which is for you, do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, do this, whenever you drink it in remembrance of me." (1 Corinthians 11: 23 - 25)

In the time of Jesus, the cross was a symbol of torture. Today it is a symbol of salvation because of His death, giving us another reason to remember and give thanks. The significance of the cross offering hope, not only for this life but, for eternity.