"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Sunday, 2 October 2016 “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (ELW 807, Verse 2)

"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Sunday, 2 October 2016 “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (ELW 807, Verse 2)
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“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” (ELW 807, Verse 2)
2. Here I raise my Ebenezer:
"Hither by thy help I've come";
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wand'ring from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood.
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"Ebenezer" isn't just a Scrooge, it's actually a Hebrew word, meaning "stone" (eben) "of help" (ezer). Jacob set a stone to mark his dream (Genesis 28); the people of Israel set stones in the Jordan to mark God's guidance through the wilderness (Joshua 4); and the prophet Samuel set a stone called "Ebenezer" to mark Israel's God-aided triumph in battle (1 Samuel 8).
Once a Bible study invited me to set spiritual markers or "Ebenezers," where I'd felt God's hand on my life. My markers include losses, life changes, the moment when the reality of Jesus' love pierced my heart and odd coincidences that indicate God is near.
Where might you set "Ebenezers" to mark God's touch on your journey?
Strong helper, you've brought us this far, and we raise our Ebenezers with thanks. Let it be your pleasure to bring us safe home, now and always,  Amen.
Brenda Satrum, '93
Faith Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Mont. 
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