Beloved Reader,
This blog is about the reflections of God’s helps, salvation, and the spiritual life. EZL stands for Ebenezer. Zion. Lithos. which are reference to stones or the locale of stone (case of Zion) which caught my eye as I was wondering how to thematically present current and future material. The Bible is full of imagery, and that of the stone stands out as prominent. Below are the reference verses:
“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, ‘Till now the LORD has helped us.’” 1 Samuel 7:12
Ebenezer and the story of Samuel’s victory in a battle through God stuck with me, not so much the victory in and of itself, but the commemoration of that victory by the ritual of setting up stones. Perhaps the most familiar expression associated with this ancient act is the saying “Count your blessings”. It is my deep conviction that my God, intensely personal and fully involved in my life, has always helped me, and always will. I am not alone, know you are not too, in Christ. Mark that in your hearts frequently; set up the stone of help in your hearts often.
“So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘See I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. ‘” Isaiah 28:16
At the core of the Christian Message, is the beloved doctrine of the Cross and God’s redemption of us. Zion is the land of Israel or Jerusalem, and it represents in a larger sense the promised new heaven and earth to come with Jesus’ Second coming. Reflecting on the cost of paying our price for sin and the culmination of things in the future brings us great hope, and we will do well centering our life around living and spreading this doctrine.
“As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 2:4,5
The Gospel does not end merely with the comforting call that “all is well”, but that the kingdom to come is in another sense very much now and active. We do not believe in cheap grace but an effective one, and are called constantly to work out our salvation and test our faith with fire. God is gracious in that He disciplines those He loves and moulds us into his precious vessels for His purpose. Also, Christians are made for community and that we are shaped and crafted as spiritual stones (lithos) to fit into God’s beautiful plan. Moulding is a painful process, yet infinitely joyful when we see God’s purpose unfolding in our lives. Maturity begins with recognising this and submitting.
May God be glorified and Man be edified through these meditations.
Soli Deo Gloria
