Raising an Ebenezer

Robert Robinson was an unlikely hymn writer. A poor young man growing up after his father died at age 8, he fell in with a rough crowd. One day this crowd and Robinson went to a revival meeting to stir up trouble and instead, God stirred Robinson’s heart. Robinson soon after came to faith and at 22 wrote “Come Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing”.

Robinson lived a life of wandering, much like his lyrics. He at different times became a minister in multiple denominations and eventually even left more orthodox beliefs and became a universalist. There are anecdotes from the end of his life that may indicate he struggled even then with what he truly believed.

What Robinson really could have used throughout the course of his life was an Ebenezer.

No, not Scrooge. 

In 1 Samuel, God comes through for His people in a big way, and so to set a reminder, Samuel raises up a stone monument to remind people that God has helped them defeat their enemies. It is important for the people of God to remember what God has done for them in the past so that when the storms come, they remember that their refuge and help from the past is still there to provide refuge today! 

What is your Ebenezer?

In His Service,

         Pastor Jared