In the Old Testament, festivals, like Passover or Pentecost, weren’t just celebrations, they were remembrances. They were important reminders for God’s people. They helped the people remember God’s faithfulness, especially in light of their faithlessness; of his power in light of their weakness; of his victory in light of their defeat.
The people needed these reminders because they were prone to wander…prone to leave the God they love. One generation would fail to help the next generation know and cherish their God. They would easily fall into false worship of other gods, lesser gods.
In 1 Samuel 7, the people of God had come out of such a period of unbelief and idol worship. Through Samuel, they saw the error of their way and looked to God to save them from their enemies. And because of that, He did help them and saved them in a remarkable way.
His deliverance was so remarkable, Samuel erected an “ebenezer” which was a stack of stones, a monument, to remember what God did for them in that place.
As we gather for the 2025 Missions Festival, we do so to remember the faithful work of God in helping us experienced gospel renewal in our church, our neighborhood and our world. May this festival be a much needed remembrance for us.
Click here to view the Mission Festival Schedule
Click here to register for the Mission Festival