August 25, 2016: SOAP #2457:  Jeremiah 37-39; Psalm 79; 2John

Scripture:  Jeremiah (NIV) 39:16 “Go and tell Ebed-Melech the Cushite, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am about to fulfil my words against this city through disaster, not prosperity. At that time, they will be fulfilled before your eyes. 17 But I will rescue you on that day, declares the LORD; you will not be handed over to those you fear. 18 I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the LORD.’”

Observation:   Ebed was not a Jew, but an Ethiopian in King Zedekiah’s court.   In spite of danger to himself, he had been instrumental in saving Jeremiah from death in a damp, muddy dungeon where Jeremiah would have starved to death.  In these verses God recognizes and rewards Ebed’s faithfulness and trust.  God was bringing judgment to sinful Jerusalem, but God would save this trusting foreigner!   He would see what God was doing, but his life would be spared.

Application:   God is no respecter of nationality and is faithful to those who are faithful to Him!  It is definitely worth any effort to remain faithful to God.  It is worth experiencing danger.  We may see God’s judgment on the sins of our nation, but we can trust God for our lives.

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, you are faithful because that is who you are.  You have many ways to protect and reward those who are faithful to you.  As we used to sing, “Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true. Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true.  There’s a race that I must run; there are victories to be won.  Give me power – every hour – to be true.” (author unknown) Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!