What is your ebenezer? Moments that Matter, Christian Questions

Back in the days of ancient Israel, Samuel was God’s prophet. For over 20 years the people were idolatrous until his influence helped them change. This was evidenced by the people urging Samuel to pray for their deliverance as the Philistines were preparing to attack. God delivered them, and Samuel immediately placed a big rock as a remembrance of their experience. He proclaimed, “Thus far the Lord has helped us”. He names the rock Ebenezer.

Why focus on this one little experience with a named rock for lessons about gratitude? In a recent podcast we observed this rock was just an ordinary boulder. Why not carve it or engrave something on it. Why name the rock Ebenezer? Why say “Thus far” the Lord has helped? Thus far? What did that mean?