Ebed-Melech - part 4

There are two outstanding characteristics Ebedmelech demonstrates that we'll note. First is Ebedmelech's compassion. Jeremiah's lot was most desperate.

" And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire." Jer 38:6

"Jeremiah 38:7-9 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; 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 38:7-9

Note Ebedmelech did not just throw up his hands and say, "Well, things are bad for Jeremiah, but look, it is bad all around. Our city is about to be taken. Times are bad. Too bad for Jeremiah." No, Ebedmelech had compassion on Jeremiah, conpassion which impelled him to action. Action which incurred mortal risk.

So the True Believer of today recognizes that his fellow man is in a pit, that is, under the wrath of God. The true believer knows his fellow man has no spiritual food or drink. He lacks the spiritual water, of the Gospel. Unsaved man lacks the Bread of Life. The true bekliver is gripped with conmpassion for his fellow man.

So Ebedmelech is impelled to action.

But we should also note Ebedmelech's COURAGE. He was impelled to take action on Jeremiah's behalf which all logic would dictate would result in Ebedmelech's death. Jeremiah had a death sentence on him, which is why he was in the dungeon ion the first place. Ebedmelech intervenes on Jeremiah's behalf which should have resulted in Ebedmelech ending up where Jeremiah was; sinking into the mud of the dungeon and dying a slow agonizing death of thirst and starvation.

Ebedmelech rebukes the evil of Zedekiah's men in placing Jeremiah in the dungeon in verse 9. *That, too* well could have resulted in Ebedmelech's summary execution. And Ebedmelech actually coordinated Jeremiahs release out of the dungeon and into the prison court, which could easily have incurred the deadly wrath of Jeremiah's accusers.

So this is a necessary attribute of the true believer of today. He is willing to give his life in service of his saviour. Being a true believer in Christ is this day and age, just as in Jeremiah's day, is a very lonely and solitary business. Not many, if any will be willing to stand with you.

The big requirement for being able to follow through on one's resolve to follow Christ to the death is to be born again. "Ye must be born again" John 3:7. And if you are born again, you WILL stand, even in the face of persection and even death.