READ: 1 Samuel 7 (Focus vs. 7-12)
MEMORY VERSE
“Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12
BACKGROUND
When I was younger, I thought it improper to ask God to help me meet writing deadlines. Other people have greater needs, I told myself. Family problems. Health crises. Job letdowns. Financial needs. I’ve faced all those things too.
But meeting a writing deadline seemed too small to take to God. I changed my view, however, after finding multiple examples in the Bible of God helping people regardless of the challenge they faced.
In one story, the Israelites were dismayed because they faced an attack at Mizpah by their enemies, the Philistines. “[The Israelites] said to Samuel, ‘Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines’ ” (1 Samuel 7:8).
In response, Samuel sacrificed a lamb to God, crying out to Him on Israel’s behalf, “and the Lord answered him” (v. 9). “While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites” (v. 10).
Later, “Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us’ ” (v. 12). Samuel placed the stone to commemorate God helping His people. Ebenezer means “stone of help.”
Asking God for help is always proper. Let’s call out to Him today.
Patricia Raybon
INSIGHT
In Hebrew literature, a “word pair” refers to two closely related yet distinct words that are often found together and enhance an idea. In 1 Samuel 7, we find the common word pair of “deliver” (v. 3; Hebrew, natsal) and “rescue” (v. 8; Hebrew, yasha).
To “deliver” captures the idea of God rescuing from a situation of immediate danger, while “rescue” (or “save” in some translations), points to a more enduring, secure, and ultimate victory.
In 1 Samuel 7, Samuel calls for God’s people to trust Him to “deliver” (v. 3) and “rescue” them from the Philistines (v. 8).
Together, this word pair points to our need to ask God for help when we face trials and to leave both our immediate situation and our ultimate security and final salvation in God’s hands.
APPLICATION
What help do you need from God? Why is it vital for you to call out to Him?
PRAYER
“Please help me today, loving God. I need You!”
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Asking God for help is always proper.”
PR’s TAKE
When we go to God for help, it’s not for us to add when, how and how He should address our need.* Pr*
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR”
I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Ev’ry hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r
When Thou art nigh.
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Ev’ry hour I need Thee…
I need Thee ev’ry hour,
In joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide,
Or life is vain.
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Ev’ry hour I need Thee…
I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises
In me fulfill.
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Ev’ry hour I need Thee…
I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Most Holy One;
O make me Thine indeed,
Thou blessed Son.
I need Thee, O I need Thee;
Ev’ry hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
