Memorial Stones
The men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along
the way to a point below Beth Kar.
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, [meaning stone of help] saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” So the Philistines were
subdued and they stopped invading Israel’s territory.
-I Samuel 7:11-13
Stones are important in the Bible. Stones can be important in our lives as well. My great-grandparents built a cabin at Rimrock Lake in the 1940s. We are blessed to still have access to that beautiful spot on Hwy 12. Every time we go to the lake, my children and I return with pockets full of rocks (it is aptly named RimROCK Lake). The various colors and patterns, shapes and sizes of the stones capture our attention and remind us of a place we love to go.
The people of God had reminder stones as well. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the promised land, each tribe took a large stone from the center of the river and made a pile of remembrance stones. (Joshua 4) When the men of Israel defeated the Philistines, Samuel took a stone and set it up, naming it “Ebenezer” meaning stone of help. Then Samuel said, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” (I Sam 7)
As we celebrate this Memorial Day, may we remember the people who have been like strong stones in our lives: parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, members of the military who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Let’s put together our own memorial stones, or Ebenezers, to remember how far we have come through the presence and hand of God.
We know how easy it is to trick ourselves into believing that every thought is pure, every act is just, every choice is correct. But if we want to be God’s children, to grow in hope, to walk in the Light, we must admit our mistakes, so we may open ourselves to the healing mercy of God’s love.
Prayer of Confession
Emptier of tombs, we find ourselves running down the street after lies, rather than walking with you. We find it easy to love other people, as long as they don’t annoy or bother us. We hunger for love and search for affirmation, yet find it difficult to let others love us for who we are. Forgive us, Compassionate Heart. You listen to the whispers of our hearts, and then sing of the promises of hope. You grace us with peace, so our hearts can rest in you. You continue to transform us into Easter people, brothers and sisters of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Assurance of Pardon
Not everything has been revealed to us, but this we do know: as God’s children, we are blessed, we are loved, we are forgiven. Our lives have been transformed by the abundant mercy given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Thank you to Pastor Sara Benedetti for preaching this Sunday as Pastor Hanna and her family attend a Shearer Family wedding in New Mexico.
