Ebed-Melech

The Bible is an amazing book. It not only records the lives of great people like Abraham, David and others but it also records events from the lives of insignificant people- the slaves, the women, the gentiles and the downtrodden. And there are lessons to be learned from every word of what is recorded in the scriptures!

We read about Ebed-Melech in the 38th chapter of the book of Jeremiah. Ebed-Melech was an Ethiopian eunuch in the court of king Zedekiah. The name simply means 'servant of the king.' Even if it was his proper name, it shows that he had no identity of his own. Being a foreigner Ebed-Melech was excluded from the temple and many of the Jewish rituals.

At this point in the history of Judah, the princes had imprisoned Jeremiah because of the prophetic Word that came through him, in the dungeon of the King’s son which was filled with mire. Even king dared not oppose the princes. But when Ebed-Melech heard about the plight of Jeremiah, he was ready to oppose even the princes. Ebed-Melech went to the king when the king was sitting at the gate and boldly represented the case of Jeremiah. That day, Ebed-Melech saved the prophet whom his own countrymen, the Jews, had tried to destroy! It could have cost him his life, but Ebed-Melech did what was right! On the other hand, we see Pilot washing off his hands in the trial of Jesus when the crowd chanted “crucify Him”. Pilot chose the neutral ground even though he knew that Jesus was blameless.

I believe, sins of omission are just as bad as the sins of commission!

Many times, we do not speak up against injustice for fear of what others will think or say. We do not want to upset our boss or the person in authority by standing up for the wronged person. It is because our trust is not in the Lord! We fear that the “people around” may stop our promotion or think that we are bad. The Bible clearly says in Psalm 75:1,” But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another”. Our increase and blessings come only from the Lord.

My friend, the question facing us today is with whom do we identify- Ebed-Melech or Pilot? Do we stand-up for what is right or want to just look ‘righteous’ in the eyes of the people around us?

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 6th February 2018 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 7th February 2018

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