by Rev. Calum I. Macleod (Moderator Designate and Minister of Ferintosh & Resolis Free Church)
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
1 Sam 7:12
The beginning of a new year is an opportunity to pause, draw breath, take stock and reflect on how, thus far, the LORD has helped us. This Old Testament milestone is one that we can all adopt as our own. When we look back on our own lives from Samuel’s vantage point, we can see how the Lord has upheld and strengthened us over the past year. Take a moment to count your blessings and consider the immeasurable riches of God’s grace in kindness towards you in Christ Jesus.
This stone is a moving testimony to God’s covenant faithfulness. The dreaded Philistines have been defeated. But Samuel doesn’t congratulate the Israelites on securing a decisive victory. There isn’t a round of applause, a standing ovation, or a podium for military brilliance. Instead, Samuel simply takes an ordinary stone and establishes it for all to see. What’s it called? ‘Ebenezer,’ which means, ‘stone of help.’ Samuel then spells out its significance for Israel – ‘Thus far the LORD has helped us.’ Israel did not achieve their military gains by their own means. This is all of God. For without God’s help, they would have faltered and failed.
As we begin 2026, we are all encouraged to raise our Ebenezer and reflect on the sustaining and secure grace imparted to us through the Lord Jesus Christ, who is ‘full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14).
Sustaining Grace: Ebenezer points us to the sustaining grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. He promises ‘grace to help us in our time of need’ (Heb 4:16). Recall some life events over the past year. During your difficulties, you were sustained and kept by Ebenezer grace. In every moment of anxiety and anguish Jesus embraced you with the sufficiency of his grace and he will continue to do so.
Secure Grace: Ebenezer points us to the security of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Samuel urges Israel to take encouragement from the past as they face an uncertain future. They can have even greater confidence in Ebenezer grace as they move forward. So can we. The year ahead will inevitably have its pitfalls and perils. However, the God of all grace who has sustained us, thus far, will go before us imparting grace upon grace. Of this we can be sure. Trials will inevitably come our way, but secure grace is assured.
May we all know the immeasurable grace, inexhaustible mercy and inexpressible peace of our Lord Jesus Christ as we journey through 2026.
Wishing everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year.