Scripture
Jeremiah 38:6-10 Then they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchijah the king’s son, which was in the court of the guardhouse; and they let Jeremiah down with ropes. Now in the cistern there was no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank into the mud.
7 But Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, while he was in the king’s palace, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern. Now the king was sitting in the Gate of Benjamin;
8 and Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and spoke to the king, saying,
9 “My lord the king, these men have acted wickedly in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet whom they have cast into the cistern; and he will die right where he is because of the famine, for there is no more bread in the city.”
10 Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, “Take thirty men from here under your authority, and bring up Jeremiah the prophet from the cistern before he dies.”
Observation
Ebed-melech, a faithful servant to the king, hears talk that Jeremiah the prophet of God, is in deep trouble. Literally. Jeremiah is put in a deep pit where there is no water, no food, just mud, muck, and yuk. I wonder what kind of creepy crawly things might have been in there too. I imagine it was dark, stinky, stale air, and Jeremiah might have even felt something crawl across his body or tickle at his feet. What would I do in a situation like that? Jeremiah is going to die there unless Ebed-melech does something. So, he finds out where the king is, leaves his assigned duties and responsibilities at the palace, and he goes to talk to the king. This could be risky for Ebed - it could be life or death. But, he finds the king and is able to approach him to tell him what has happened to Jeremiah, and that he will die without some kind of nourishment. It doesn't say how long Jeremiah was in the cistern but he was probably hungry, thirsty, needing a breath of fresh air, scared, weak, and very frail. The king is reminded by Ebed, that there's no more bread in the city.
The king decides to let Ebed rescue Jeremiah and Ebed does it so gently and kindly. He even instructs Jeremiah to put old rags and clothes under his armpits to protect him from the rope that could injure him even more in his critical and weakened condition.
It's interesting to me, that in the midst of Jeremiah's suffering, God sends help from a 'friend'. But there's MORE . . .
Scripture
Jeremiah 39:15-18 Now the word of the LORD had come to Jeremiah while he was confined in the court of the guardhouse, saying,
16 “Go and speak to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel,” Behold, I am about to bring My words on this city for disaster and not for prosperity; and they will take place before you on that day.
17 “But I will deliver you on that day,” declares the LORD, “and you shall not be given into the hand of the men whom you dread.
18 “For I will certainly rescue you, and you will not fall by the sword; but you will have your own life as booty, because you have trusted in Me,” declares the LORD.’”
Observation
God rewards Ebed for trusting in Him and sends Jeremiah to speak hope to Ebed. "God says", "I will deliver you and you will not be turned over to the bad guys. I will rescue you because through it all, you have trusted Me." He trusted God. He intervened to save the life of God's man. And God sends Jeremiah to be the one that says, 'God's got your back Ebed' because you trust in Him.
Application
Trusting in God has to be foremost in my life. As I trust God with my whole heart, and don't try to understand everything's that is going on - and when I make every effort to know Him, then He will show me the way to go. (Prov. 3:5-6). God will give me what I need to be sensitive to the needs of others, whether it's a kind word, or by being practical in helping someone who is injured. I should intervene when possible, even if it's inconvenient or risky. God sees my actions, and He sees my heart.
Prayer
Thank You Father for Your word. Thank you for people like Ebed-melech who will risk it all to save someone from death. Thank You that You reward those who seek You with their whole heart.
May I save someone from 'imminent death' today as I share to them about You and the gift of life everlasting.
In Jesus Name,
A-men.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Go and Tell
Scripture
John 20:14-17 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’”
Observation
Mary didn't recognize Jesus at first; she thought he was the gardener and that maybe he was even the one responsible for taking away His body. Yet, Jesus, after rising from the dead, before ascending to be with God the Father, took time to reveal himself to Mary. He asked her, "Why are you weeping?" and "Who are you seeking?" He cares. Jesus called Mary by name and the moment she heard His voice - she knew this was Jesus - and He was alive! The God of the universe, God of all creation - is a personal God who loves us, died for us, and He knows our names. He cautions Mary, 'stop clinging to Me' - don't hang onto Me just for yourself. "Go and tell My brothers, My followers, that I am going to My Father, now your Father, My God, and now your God.' Go and tell! There is hope! Jesus is alive forevermore! Because of what He has done for us, we are no longer separated from God by sin and death! Jesus made a way for us and now God is our Father, and our God.
Application
I can know beyond all doubt that God is personal. He knows my name. He sees when I am sad. He cares. Am I keeping Him all to myself, or telling others what great things He has done for me? I'm encouraged all the more as I read His Word, to go and tell . . . whoever will listen. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Prayer
O Father God, You are my Father in heaven, and my God. Thanks be to Jesus Christ, Your Son, who has set me free and reconciled me to You by way of the cross. He bled and died, suffered beyond what I can imagine, so that I might call You Father. I give You all thanks and praise for loving me enough to send Your Son for me. For all of us. His mission was to seek and save the lost, to serve, to give His life so we might have life. Now I know my mission. Go and tell - and may You be glorified in all I have to tell. In the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, my Savior, and my God. A-men.
John 20:14-17 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’”
Observation
Mary didn't recognize Jesus at first; she thought he was the gardener and that maybe he was even the one responsible for taking away His body. Yet, Jesus, after rising from the dead, before ascending to be with God the Father, took time to reveal himself to Mary. He asked her, "Why are you weeping?" and "Who are you seeking?" He cares. Jesus called Mary by name and the moment she heard His voice - she knew this was Jesus - and He was alive! The God of the universe, God of all creation - is a personal God who loves us, died for us, and He knows our names. He cautions Mary, 'stop clinging to Me' - don't hang onto Me just for yourself. "Go and tell My brothers, My followers, that I am going to My Father, now your Father, My God, and now your God.' Go and tell! There is hope! Jesus is alive forevermore! Because of what He has done for us, we are no longer separated from God by sin and death! Jesus made a way for us and now God is our Father, and our God.
Application
I can know beyond all doubt that God is personal. He knows my name. He sees when I am sad. He cares. Am I keeping Him all to myself, or telling others what great things He has done for me? I'm encouraged all the more as I read His Word, to go and tell . . . whoever will listen. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever!
Prayer
O Father God, You are my Father in heaven, and my God. Thanks be to Jesus Christ, Your Son, who has set me free and reconciled me to You by way of the cross. He bled and died, suffered beyond what I can imagine, so that I might call You Father. I give You all thanks and praise for loving me enough to send Your Son for me. For all of us. His mission was to seek and save the lost, to serve, to give His life so we might have life. Now I know my mission. Go and tell - and may You be glorified in all I have to tell. In the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, my Savior, and my God. A-men.
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