T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S Emergencies are the test of men, and it takes genuine courage to stand true to our convictions. ' There will be criticism and condemnation and per haps, in the future, persecution for the faithful ones; but there wil be the ap proval of conscience and of God. Jeremiah is consigned to the prison pit where the mire received him. And did Jeremiah cry? Yes, he cried unto the Lord (Lam. 3:53-55) «They have cut off mv life in the dun geon, and cast a stone upon me. Waters flowed over mine heads then I said, I am cut off. I called upon thy name, O Lord, out of the low duneeon.” Was there ever a darker prospect for a man,tf-the king and princes condemn ing him and up to his arm pits in the mire of an underground cistern? Yet God saw it all. He heard his cry. He answered the call. (3) THE PLEA FOR THE PRISON ER, vs. 7-9. The answer to Jeremiah’s prayer and call for help is intensely interesting. God did not send an angel from heaven, as He did to minister to Elijah, but an Egyptian servant, or slave. God’s ways are always His own. We do not have to advise Him how things can he done best. .Here was a stranger, not interested in Israel, having nothing in common with them. He heard what had been done; his interest was awakened by hearing; his heart was moved with compassion; he went into the presence of the king; he courageously made his supplication, and God, who had called him for such a time as this, touched the heart of the king and changed his heart concerning His servant Jeremiah. Did not God use a little Jewish maid to be the means of bringing Naaman to a knowledge of Himself, and to the restoration of his health? Why do we always, think it necessary for God to use some cultured orator to bring a message? Why do we doubt God’s Word when He says, “ God hath chosen the weak things, and things which. are nothing,” so that He may have the
597
glory? Put his name down— “ Ebed-melech” — a servant of the true God,l; with à human heart, with a courageous faith, with a determined spirit and a prac tical head. (4) THE PRISONER RELEASED FROM THE PIT, vs. 10-13. The king ordered thirty men to ac company Ebed-melech and to take the prophet from the pit. The good Ebed- melech had a compassionate heart. He made provision for Jeremiah by letting down pieces of rags to prevent the bruis ing of his body as he was lifted from the mire and restored to the prison court. Straws show the course of the wind, and little deeds of kindness reveal the heart. Nothing could have been better for this occasion than were the rags. How wondrous are God’s providences! He always has a way and He always has a servant for every need. Who would have thought of a negro eunuch for such a time as this, to play the “ angel” part in such a scene? God did not allow this kindness to go unrewarded, but set His seal upon the act and sent by Jeremiah a special delivery message of acknowledgment and comfort (39:15-18) “Now the word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah, while he was shut up ih the court of the orison, saying. Go and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethio pian, saying, Thus saith thé Lord of hosts, the God of Israeli I will bring my words upon this city for evil, and not for good! and they shall be accomplished In that day before thee. But I will deliver thee in that day, saith the Lord; and thou shalt not be given into the hand of the men of whom thou art afraid. j For I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be Sor a prey unto thee; beenuse thou hast put thy trust In me, saith the Lord.” ■-"i “ A little deed of kindness, a little àct of love, . • W ill make a jail a heaven, akin to that above.” Never despise the day of small things, nor the humblest worker in God’s ser vice. ‘ :
Made with FlippingBook Annual report