December 29

Morning

Afterward, 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 BSB

The word “hitherto” feels like a hand pointing back to the past. Whether it has been twenty years or seventy, still we can say, “Hitherto the Lord has helped us!” Through poverty and prosperity, through sickness and health, at home or abroad, on land or sea, in honor and dishonor, in perplexity and joy, in trial and triumph, in prayer and temptation—“hitherto the Lord has helped us!”

We love to look down a long avenue of trees, admiring the beauty from end to end, like a verdant temple with branches forming a canopy. In the same way, look back over the long years of your life and see the green branches of mercy overhead, and the sturdy pillars of loving-kindness and faithfulness holding up your joy. Aren’t there birds singing in those branches? Surely there are many, and they all sing of mercy received “hitherto.”

But the word also looks forward. When a man reaches a milestone and writes “hitherto,” he has not reached the end yet; there is still more ground to cover. More trials, more joys; more temptations, more triumphs; more prayers, more answers; more work, more strength; more battles, more victories; and then come sickness, old age, disease, and death. Is it over after that? No! There is more yet—awakening in Christ’s likeness, thrones, harps, songs, white robes, the face of Jesus, the company of saints, the glory of God, the fullness of eternity, and the infinity of bliss!

So, be of good courage, believer, and with grateful confidence raise your “Ebenezer,” for He who has helped you thus far will help you all the way. When viewed in the light of heaven, how glorious and marvelous a journey your “hitherto” will reveal to your grateful eyes!

Evening

“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is He?” “David’s,” they answered. — Matt 22:42 BSB

The greatest test of your soul’s health is this: What do you think of Christ? Is He “fairer than the children of men,” “the chief among ten thousand,” “altogether lovely”? When Christ is highly esteemed, all the faculties of the spiritual person come to life. I will judge your piety by this barometer—does Christ hold the highest place in your heart? If you’ve thought little of Him, if you’ve lived without longing for His presence, if you’ve cared little for His honor, or if you’ve neglected His commands, then I know your soul is unwell—God grant that it is not sick unto death! But if the main desire of your spirit has been, “How can I honor Jesus?” If your daily longing has been, “Oh, that I knew where to find Him!” Then, despite your many failings and even doubts about whether you are truly a child of God, I am persuaded beyond doubt that you are safe, because Jesus holds a high place in your heart.

I care not if you are clothed in rags—what do you think of His royal robes? I care not if you are wounded—what do you think of His wounds? Are they to you like jewels?

I don’t judge you by your poverty, even if you lie like Lazarus on a dunghill with dogs licking your sores. What do you think of the King in His beauty? Does He sit on the glorious throne of your heart? Would you gladly exalt Him even higher if you could? Would you be willing to die if that meant adding another note to the chorus of His praise? Ah, then it is well with you.

Whatever you may think of yourself, if Christ is exalted in your heart—you will be with Him soon!