Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Rescue the Perishing
Today’s Verse
Ebedmelech went forth out of the king’s house, and spake to the king, saying, My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city. ~Jeremiah 38:8-9
The name “Ebedmelech” means “servant of the king.” It most likely was a name given to him by King Zedekiah since he was an Ethiopian by ethnicity. Ebedmelech is a lesson about doing the right thing with the information you have. He is a lesson on the passion of a committed servant.
We see his alertness.
“Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin.” One of the key traits of a passionate servant is he is alert to the needs of others. When we hear missionary reports or statistical data on the vast numbers of people who need to be saved, we should be alert to the need. He heard of the plight of Jeremiah. He knew that time was of the essence if he did not do something about it.
We see his appeal.
He spake to the king. Ebedmelech knew that he lacked the power to do something for Jeremiah. We lack power and ability to make a difference when it comes to winning souls and planting churches. We must speak to the King. He told the king that “he is like to die for hunger in the place where he is: for there is no more bread in the city.” That’s what the problem is in the cities of this world. People are likely to die in the place where they are because there is no bread in the city. Jesus is the Bread of Life! We need to take the Bread to people who are dying!
We see his action.
He received the king’s approval. I am thankful that we have our King’s approval to take the gospel to sinners who are sunk deeply in the mire. This passionate servant is given permission to take thirty men to rescue Jeremiah out of prison. Ebedmelech calls out to Jeremiah, who has been placed in filthy mire, to place some old, cloth rags under his arms. Ebedmelech lowers ropes that Jeremiah is to place under his arms, and, slowly, Ebemedmelech and the other men raise him out of the slough. Passionate servants get involved, and they involve others. They get their hands dirty and put a lot of effort into getting a person who is stuck in the mire out.
We see his acknowledgement.
“For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the LORD.” This passionate servant is acknowledged for his faith in the Lord. His faith that God could use him to help Jeremiah was the impetus for his boldness, his request, and his action. He had faith that the king would grant him what he requested. He had faith that Jeremiah would be brought out. He had faith that God would protect him from the men who were angry that he intervened.
Just like in this passage of Scripture, someone is likely to die because there is no bread in the city. Do you care enough to go out of your way to bring the Bread of Life to people dying of hunger? Are you willing to go out of your way to rescue the perishing and care for the dying?
Have a soul-conscious God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Numbers 35-36
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