Remembering God’s Help

After the Ark of the Covenant remains at Kiriath-Jearim for twenty years, Samuel calls the people to turn from their foreign gods, direct their hearts toward the Lord, and serve Him alone. Israel gathers at Mizpah, confesses its sin, and asks Samuel to continue praying. When the Philistines move against them, Samuel offers a sacrifice and cries out to God. The Lord answers with a mighty thunder, throws the enemy into confusion, and gives Israel the victory. Samuel then raises a memorial stone called Ebenezer, declaring, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” God has helped us, saved us, sustained us, and brought us into His presence. We must not forget what He has done. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 7:1 & 2 The Ark was placed in the house of Abinadab and Eleazer was tasked to care for the Ark and it remained there 20 years 1 Samuel 7:3 - 6 Samuel spoke and prayed and the people repented 1 Samuel 7:7 & 8 After hearing that Israel had gathered the Philistines moved to fight them and Israel was afraid 1 Samuel 7:9 & 10 Samuel offered a sacrifice and prayed for the people and the Lord answered 1 Samuel 7:11 Israel defeats the Philistines 1 Samuel 7:12 - 14 Samuel places a memorial stone and Israel’s borders are restored and they have peace 1 Corinthians 11:23 – 26 Our act of remembrance of what the Lord has done