This time of year abounds with thoughts of thanksgiving.  It won’t be long before we all gather to share a meal with those we love. But this year, I want to know, what are you really thankful for? No, not turkey and dressing. More than that. More than mashed potatoes and gravy. You know what I’m thankful for? Ebenezer! Now you’re thinking “Ebenezer Scrooge; isn’t that a Christmas thing?

Not Ebenezer, but eben-ezer. Let me explain. In the song Come thou fount of every blessing is that odd verse which says, “Here I raise my eben-ezer; Hither by Thy help I'm come;” Wow!  Let me tell you why I’m thankful for eben-ezer.  1 Samuel tells the story of how Israel went out to fight and took the Ark of the Covenant with them, believing if they had it with them they couldn’t lose. So they took their lucky rabbits foot, but forgot to seek the Lord for his blessing and direction for the battle. And God let them get soundly defeated for trusting in the things of God, rather than in God himself. Later Samuel calls Israel to repent of their sin; they turn back to God, beat the opposing army and recover the Ark of the Covenant. One might say; Alls well that remembers well. Samuel points the people to the recognition of God’s deliverance, of God’s divine help that has brought them the victory and Samuel sets up a stone of remembrance – called eben-ezer.  God has brought us this far, by his help we’ve come.

That’s where I see us as a church today. And I am thankful for the reminder, for old eben-ezer that points our hearts and minds to the reality of God’s miraculous intervention in our lives. We are still here today because God has chosen to carry us this far. Don’t get me wrong, of course we have to get in there and do our part. We work together with God, lending our talents and gifts for His use in building His kingdom. Not because God needs our help, but because we need to live in obedience to Him though our service for Him. And in that we are blessed.

What am I thankful for? I am thankful and blessed to work and serve alongside you as together we serve God to advance His kingdom. I am blessed to know that if God has brought us this far, that He will be faithful to take us into the future. He who calls you is faithful! Amen.

Pastor Mark