The God Who Speaks and Stays
1 Samuel 7 | 1 samuel 8 | Proverbs 1: 29-33 | hebrews 1: 1-3
“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up... He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’”
—1 Samuel 7:12
After chapters of loss, wandering, and heavy judgment, Israel finally turns back. They put away their idols. They return to the Lord.
And God answers.
He thunders against their enemies. He gives them peace. He stays with them through the leadership of Samuel, and the land rests.
Samuel marks the moment with a stone (an Ebenezer). A marker of mercy. A memory of help. A declaration that God had not left them alone.
But just one chapter later, we feel the tension rise again.
Israel looks around and sees what everyone else has: a king. They don’t want to be a nation led by God. They want to be led by someone with a crown. A figurehead. A human they can see and point to.
And this breaks Samuel’s heart.
But God’s response is:
“They have not rejected you; they have rejected Me as their king.” (1 Samuel 8:7)
It’s a rejection, yes. But it’s not the end.
Because our God is never undone.
Even in their wandering, He doesn’t abandon them. Even in their foolish demands, He still makes a way. He gives them what they ask for, not because He is weak, but because He is patient. He will use even their misplaced desires to tell His bigger story.
Proverbs 1 reminds us of the cost of rejecting wisdom; how turning from the fear of the Lord leads to ruin.
"In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets... but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son." (Hebrews 1:1–2)
Jesus is the ultimate proof that God does not walk away, even when we reject Him.
He doesn’t just send words anymore: He sends Himself.
He is the voice of God and the very imprint of His nature (Hebrews 1:3).
He is the glory that doesn’t depart.
Maybe today you feel like you’ve chosen your own way one too many times. Maybe you wonder if God is still here.
Look to the cross.
That’s your Ebenezer.
Your reminder that “thus far the Lord has helped us.”
Reflection Prompts
Where do you see God’s mercy showing up in the middle of your missteps?
What “Ebenezer stones” can you look back on as reminders of His faithfulness?
Are there areas where you’re tempted to choose the world’s way instead of God’s?
Lord, I confess the times I’ve wanted what the world offers more than what You do.
Thank You for staying with me, even when I’ve turned away.
You are my King, my Helper, my Redeemer.
Mark my heart with Your mercy, and let me remember You in every season.
Amen.
