Remembering

(not Mr. Scrooge... the other kind of Ebenezer)

Remembering

Decoration Day is generally considered to have begun after the America Civil War to commemorate the soldiers who died during that terrible conflict. Graves of the fallen were “decorated” with flags to show respect and gratitude. Later officially changed to Memorial Day, the former name still lingers in some circles. Parades, civic events, speeches concerts and services in local cemeteries keep the traditions and solemn nature of the holiday alive; befitting the great sacrifice made by so many.

The Israelites were known to erect markers memorializing times and places that God had intervened on their behalf.  One such was the raising of the “Ebenezer” after God confounded the Philistines with a loud thunder and threw them into a panic at Mizpah.  Israel was blessed with a prolonged time of peace after that victory. 

“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”” 1 Samuel 7:12

Perhaps we ought to assess our own lives on a regular basis, looking for the times that God has intervened on our behalf.  We may not set up a large stone to remember it by…but then again we might. Whatever means of memorializing God’s blessing we choose, it’s the remembering that’s important and the willingness to share the story of that blessing with friends and family for generations to come.

Here I raise my Ebenezer; here by Thy great help I’ve come. And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, 
safely to arrive at home. - “Come thou Fount of Every Blessing”

Thanks for all you do.

Brian

<><

Volume 7, Number 10