Throughout Scripture, God consistently demonstrates His faithfulness to His people, often in the most unlikely of circumstances. Two powerful examples of this are the story of Gideon’s victory over the Midianites (Judges 6-7) and the fall of Jericho (Joshua 6). Though separated by time and context, both narratives reveal how God uses ordinary people and unconventional methods to display His power and fulfill His promises.
Gideon: Trusting God in Weakness
Gideon’s story begins with fear and doubt. When God calls him to deliver Israel from the Midianites, Gideon protests, saying, “My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family” (Judges 6:15). His hesitancy is relatable; he questions whether God is truly with him and seeks repeated confirmation through signs, such as the fleece (Judges 6:36-40). We’ve all been there. Saying something like, “is this truly you God?” Or, “are you sure you want me to do that?”
Despite Gideon’s initial doubt, God remained faithful and patient, guiding him step by step. Just like He’s done in my life and yours. The most remarkable aspect of Gideon’s victory lies in God’s strategy. Facing an army described as “thick as locusts” (Judges 7:12), Gideon starts with 32,000 men. However, God reduces the army to just 300, ensuring that the victory will unmistakably be attributed to Him, not human strength (Judges 7:2). Armed with trumpets, torches, and jars—not conventional weapons—Gideon’s army routs the Midianites.
Gideon’s victory highlights an important truth: God’s power is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we step out in faith, even with trembling hearts, God can accomplish extraordinary things through us.
Jericho: Obedience in the Unconventional
The fall of Jericho is another testament to God’s faithfulness and power. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, Jericho stood as a formidable obstacle—a city fortified with impenetrable walls. Yet God’s instructions to Joshua were unconventional: march around the city once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, march around it seven times, then shout and blow trumpets (Joshua 6:2-5).
To human reasoning, this plan seemed absurd. Yet Joshua and the Israelites obeyed without hesitation. Their faith was rewarded when the walls of Jericho collapsed, granting them victory without a single weapon being raised (Joshua 6:20). This story reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). His plans often defy logic, but they always accomplish His purposes.
Faith, Obedience, and God’s Glory
Both stories share common themes that resonate with believers today:
1. Faith in God’s Promises: Gideon and Joshua both trusted God’s promises, even when the odds seemed impossible. Their faith allowed them to experience God’s miraculous deliverance.
2. Obedience in Uncertainty: Both leaders followed God’s instructions, even when those instructions seemed unconventional. Obedience, even in the face of uncertainty, invites God’s blessing.
3. God’s Glory Displayed: In both victories, it was clear that the outcomes were due to God’s power, not human effort. This ensured that He received the glory.
Life often presents us with challenges that seem insurmountable—health crises, financial struggles, broken relationships, or personal weaknesses. Like Gideon and Joshua, we may feel inadequate or question how victory is possible. Yet their stories remind us that God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our strength or understanding.
When we trust Him, obey His leading, and step out in faith, God works in ways that exceed our expectations. Our “walls of Jericho” can crumble, and our “Midianite armies” can be defeated—not because of our might, but because of His.
As Paul writes in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Gideon and Jericho stand as enduring testimonies to this truth: no matter how overwhelming the odds, God is faithful, and His power is more than enough.
The Bible is rich with symbolism, and few metaphors are as profound as Jesus’ declaration in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life.” When paired with the meaning of Bethlehem—“the house of bread”—the depth of God’s plan for humanity comes into focus. These two ideas are intricately connected, pointing to Jesus as the ultimate provision for our spiritual hunger.
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, carries a name that means “house of bread” in Hebrew. This small town was known as a fertile region, producing grain and sustenance for its people. However, its greatest gift to the world wasn’t earthly bread but the Savior Himself, who would be born in its midst.
This setting wasn’t coincidental. Bethlehem’s identity as a provider of physical sustenance foreshadowed the arrival of the One who would provide eternal sustenance. Just as Bethlehem once offered earthly bread, it became the birthplace of the Bread of Life.
In John 6, after feeding the 5,000, Jesus used bread as a powerful metaphor for His mission:
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35).
Jesus wasn’t speaking of physical hunger but the spiritual longing that only He can satisfy. Earthly bread sustains the body, but Jesus, the Bread of Life, nourishes the soul, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Jesus’ birth in a manger adds another layer to this symbolism. A manger is a feeding trough for animals, and it was here that the Bread of Life was first laid. This humble beginning highlights God’s provision for humanity in the most unexpected way.
Just as animals came to the manger to eat, humanity is invited to come to Jesus for the sustenance that leads to eternal life. His humility and accessibility make the Bread of Life available to all, rich or poor, near or far.
The connection between Jesus as the Bread of Life and Bethlehem’s meaning is deepened by the Passover tradition. During Passover, unleavened bread symbolized God’s provision and deliverance for Israel. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfills this symbolism.
At the Last Supper, He broke bread and said, “This is my body, which is for you” (1 Corinthians 11:24). Just as the unleavened bread reminded the Israelites of their physical deliverance from Egypt, Jesus’ body—broken for us—secures our spiritual deliverance from sin.
Bethlehem, the house of bread, provided physical sustenance to its people. Jesus, born in Bethlehem, offers Himself as the true Bread of Life, nourishing all who come to Him. This divine connection reminds us of the completeness of God’s plan:
• Just as bread is a daily necessity, Jesus is essential for spiritual life.
• Bread must be received to sustain life; Jesus must be accepted by faith to bring eternal life.
• Physical bread satisfies temporarily, but Jesus provides lasting satisfaction.
The connection between Jesus as the Bread of Life and Bethlehem, the house of bread, is a powerful reminder of God’s provision. In a world full of spiritual hunger, Jesus offers Himself as the only source of true and eternal fulfillment.
This time of year, as many reflect on the birth of Jesus, let’s remember that He came not just to be born in the house of bread but to be the Bread of Life for all who believe. He invites us to partake in this bread and experience the abundant life only He can provide.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:8).
Will you accept His invitation to be spiritually nourished today? Peace in Christ brothers and sisters.
In our noisy, fast-paced world, silence can feel elusive. The constant hum of notifications, the demands of work, and the chatter of daily life often leave us longing for rest. Yet, throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus intentionally seeking moments of solitude and silence, carving out space to connect with God and focus His mission. This practice is more than a spiritual discipline; it’s an invitation to embrace the rhythm of grace and intimacy with the Father.
In Mark 1:35, we read, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” After ministering to crowds and healing the sick, Jesus sought the quiet of the early morning. He must have been worn and exhausted and in need of refreshing.
Jesus’ example reminds us that seeking silence often requires intention and sacrifice. It’s easy to let the busyness of life crowd out quiet moments, but setting aside time for solitude aligns our hearts with God’s will and refreshes our souls.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus withdrew to pray before major decisions or after significant events. For instance, before choosing His twelve disciples, He spent the night in prayer alone on a mountainside (Luke 6:12).
In these silent moments, Jesus demonstrated the importance of aligning His actions with the Father’s will. Silence provides the space to listen to God’s voice, reflect on His Word, and seek His guidance.
In Mark 6:31, Jesus invited His disciples to rest, saying, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Jesus understood that spiritual and physical renewal are intertwined. He balanced the demands of ministry with the necessity of rest, modeling a life that values both work and Sabbath rhythms.
Silence allows us to recover from the demands of our daily lives, offering peace to our restless hearts and clarity to our cluttered minds.
The life of Jesus calls us to seek silence—not as an escape but as a way to realign our hearts with God’s purpose. In the stillness, we find His presence. In the quiet, we hear His voice. As we follow Jesus’ example, we, too, can experience the profound peace and strength that comes from time spent with the Father.
“To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,”
Ephesians 3:8 ESV
There is a story I came across recently, about a plantation owner who left a substantial inheritance to a former servant who had served him faithfully his entire life. Once the man had passed, the now former servant was told of the immense wealth that he now possessed. An amount that would equate to around a million dollars today. However, weeks went by and the man never went to withdraw any of his inheritance money. Until one day, he entered the bank and asked the cashier if he could please 50 cents to buy some cornmeal.
The man was seemingly unable to grasp the fullness of what he had been given. The inheritance was so much and was at his fingertips. I feel as though many of us behave in such a way as inheritors of the riches of Christ. We tap into pennies when He offers us abundance.
The gospel is big and beautiful and full. But how many of us are limping through life, burdened with anxieties and stress? How many of us are crippled by selfishness and pride? The gospel is a message of life and peace. One of healing and joy. Through Jesus, we experience the fullness of life God meant for us all along.
“My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold, and my yield than choice silver. I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice, granting an inheritance to those who love me, and filling their treasuries.”
Proverbs 8:19-21 ESV
In this passage, the wisdom of God brings about riches more valuable than gold or silver. It is that wisdom that guides the follower towards that inheritance. It is that wisdom that helps us abide in the One who grants the inheritance.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,”
1 Peter 1:3-4 ESV
You and me, brothers and sisters, have been given such a great gift. The gift of life. The gift of hope. The gift of peace, healing, and wholeness. Our debt has been paid. Our sin atoned for. The weights of life carried on the shoulders of our Creator. We need to stop living as though we haven’t been given everything. We have to stop living out a 50 cent gospel when we are meant for so much more.
The Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883. It connected Manhattan and Brooklyn for the first time. Before the bridge, the two cities were separated by the East River, and the only way to cross was by ferry. The bridge transformed transportation and commerce, allowing people and goods to move more freely. It also symbolized American innovation, as it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its completion. The bridge not only became a vital infrastructure piece but also a symbol of unity between the two boroughs. Before the bridge was constructed, Brooklyn was an independent city. This bridge served as a link and a unifier that brought Brooklyn into New York. The Brooklyn Bridge was also a social equalizer in its early days. The pedestrian walkway provided access for people of all classes to cross between the boroughs, making the bridge not only a tool for commerce but also for social interaction and community-building. It became a place where people from all walks of life could gather and have access regardless of ethnicity, income, or gender.
In the book of Genesis, we read about a major problem, a division that arises. A shattering of creation and of relationships. A divide greater than the East river.
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.””
Genesis 2:15-17 ESV
It is the Lord that put Adam and Eve in the garden, and as we know, they are deceived and choose disobedience. Genesis 3:8-10 says that their sin lead them to hide, to separate themselves from God. And later in Genesis 3:21-24 God sacrifices for them (an important fact not to miss) but still sends them out. Eden is no longer accessible for them. The chasm is impassible. But a bridge will one day be built.
In John 1:51, Jesus said to Nathanael, “Very truly I tell you, you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” This powerful image gives us a picture of Jesus as the link between heaven and earth, between God and humanity. He connects the divine to the human, offering us reconciliation with God and access to eternal life. Jesus is that “bridge” between heaven and earth. A bridge that unifies us with the City of God. Gives us access to Eden again. A bridge that anyone can cross regardless of their station in life. A bridge that is actively inviting humanity to cross it.
1. Jesus is the Only Way to the Father
Remember in Gen 2:15 (God put Adam in the garden & Gen 3:21-24 God sent them out of the garden?
In John 14:6, Jesus boldly declares, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This statement is central to our understanding of how Jesus functions as the bridge. There is no other path, no other way to cross from death to life, from alienation to reconciliation, from earth to heaven.
The world may offer various paths, but Jesus is the exclusive way that leads to eternal life. He is not just a bridge among many, but the bridge. The only way to overcome the spiritual death we face is through faith in His work on the cross.
“”For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
John 3:16-17 ESV
Through Him, we have been given the gift of salvation and the assurance of eternal life. Jesus not only bridges our life on earth to a relationship with God, but He bridges our earthly existence to eternal life. In John 11:25-26, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
There is this scene in Return of the King…part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy…a hobbit named Pippin is despairing about the looming death. They are surrounded and besieged. The enemy is at the gates, and he says I never thought it would end like this. Then Gandalf, a wizard (and Jesus figure of Tolkien’s universe) responds, “End? No, the journey doesn’t end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass, and then you see it. White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise.”
Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate victory over death, ensuring that for those who believe, death is not the end but a doorway into eternal life. Through His resurrection, Jesus has bridged the gap between time and eternity, bringing us the hope of everlasting life in heaven with God.
2. Jesus Bridges the Gap of Separation
The story of humanity begins in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve enjoyed perfect communion with God. In Gen 2:16-17 God laid out the promise of life and death. However, we know what they chose. Through sin, a great chasm formed between humanity and God.
Isaiah 59:2 says ““but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” Sin brought separation, death, and estrangement from the holy God who desires fellowship with His creation.
But God, in His love, had a plan from the beginning—to reconcile the world to Himself through Jesus. Romans 5:10 reminds us, “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”
Jesus came to heal this separation. Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, He became the bridge that spans the chasm created by sin. On the cross, He bore our sins, making it possible for us to be restored to a right relationship with God. He became the mediator, the high priest who represents us before the Father (Hebrews 9:15).
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:22-23 ESV
3. Jesus Gives Us Access to the Father
Back in Gen 3:8-10 Adam and Eve chose to separate themselves from God because of their sin and shame. with John 8:12 and John 10:27-28
Because Jesus has bridged the gap, we don’t have to hide. We now actually have direct access to the Father. Hebrews 4:16 tells us, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” This verse is the response to Genesis 3:10.
Before Christ, such direct access was unthinkable. God’s holiness was too great, and our sin too grievous. Access was limited to the high priest who could only enter the holy of holies once a year to make atonement. Reading about this in Leviticus should give us a deep appreciation for God’s holiness and for Christ’s sacrifice which tore the veil on our behalf. Now, through Christ, we can come boldly to the Father in prayer and worship. Not once a year, but every single day of our lives.
God didn’t let Genesis 3:10 be the end of the story. Not for Adam and Eve, not for you and not for me.
Our story is not one of hiding in the dark, but thriving in the light. When Jesus calls, we don’t cower, we come running. Jesus said in John 10, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28 ESV) We are safely held by our savior, the Bridge over that great chasm of our sin.
4. Jesus, the Bridge to a New Creation
Not only does Jesus bridge the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God, but He also ushers in a new creation. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Jesus reconciles us to God, transforming us and making us a new creation. This is the beauty of the gospel—through Jesus, heaven breaks into our lives, even here on earth.
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,”
Philippians 3:20 ESV
Heaven is not just a future hope; it is a present reality for those who are in Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, the power of the coming Kingdom is already at work in us, and we are called to be ambassadors of this new creation, living as citizens of heaven even while we still walk this earth.
But He is also the bridge to that future reality. The one that envisions an entirely new home.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.”
Revelation 21:1-6 ESV
Let this one great, gracious, glorious fact lie in your spirit until it permeates all your thoughts and makes you rejoice even though you are without strength. Rejoice that the Lord Jesus has become your strength and your song – He has become your salvation.
To end this evening we are going to have some time together with our brothers and sisters. I’d like for each of us to speak life to someone at their table, some encouragement, and pray over each other. We won’t have a last song, so when everyone is wrapping up we will all take communion together as one.
The first person to misquote God was none other than the satan, represented by the serpent in the garden. And unfortunately, many people proclaiming allegiance to God have been misquoting Him since.
Jesus warned several times of the false teachers of Israel who twisted God’s words for their benefit and disregarded the heart and love behind God’s law. Jeremiah the prophet had to deal with five false prophets during his day. They declared over snd over that Yahweh had spoken to them but it was all based on their own fears and insecurities, and not truly what God was saying.
Take care never to impute the vain imaginings of your fancy to Him. I have seen the Spirit of God shamefully dishonored by persons – I hope they were insane – who have said that they have had this and that revealed to them.
Charles Spurgeon
The sad reality is that people often use the phrase “God told me” in order to vindicate themselves, elevate their message, or manipulate others. But what they could actually be doing is dishonoring scripture and taking the Lord’s name in vain.
It can be extremely difficult to discern between our emotions and what God is leading us to do. Our flesh, heart and mind can also speak to us, leading us into believing one thing, when it really may not be the case. We have to remember that no matter how spiritual we are, because we’re humans, we are fallible and prone to making mistakes. If we aren’t taking those “feelings” to scripture then we are making a grave mistake. If it doesn’t line up with what God said there, then He isn’t saying it to you now.
I believe God still moves and still leads and guides His followers. Jesus said His sheep know His voice and they follow Him. So He must speak right? We still believe that prayer can be a two way conversation right? He can still be found in that still small voice can’t He? As believers, we have God’s Spirit in us. A solid connection that certainly teaches and instructs us. We can know what is right and feel the right way to go or the right things to say. But all of it must be in line with the Word God has already spoken.
If you believe God is leading you to do, or say, or change something in your life, stay steadfast in prayer, confirm it through scripture, and seek out good council. This life isn’t meant to be done alone and we have such a great source of God’s wisdom at our fingertips. Our thoughts and emotions can’t be our guides. It’s up to us to submit in humility to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God for in them is life.
I put in some long days working in the heat during the summer. On those days I experience thirst to the point of desperation. It becomes consuming, hard to focus on much else. In my mind it’s really hard to be satisfied or content until that thirst is quenched. I’m just thinking about that next sip of cold water.
Henry David Thoreau, a 19th century abolitionist and theologian, said, “How prompt we are to satisfy the hunger and thirst of our bodies; how slow to satisfy the hunger and thirst of our souls!” How convicting and how true those words hard. I ask myself, have I ever thirsted for God the way that I did for the drink of water on those hot summer days?
“”Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Matthew 5:6 ESV
Jesus says that if we hunger and thirst for righteousness we will be satisfied! So I guess the first question is, are you satisfied? To be satisfied is to be no longer needing anything. It’s like a perfect contentment. That’s where the believer is meant to be. We have everything in Him. And I truly believe that as our thirst for Him and His righteousness grows, it lessons for everything else. Thinking back to my experience in the heat, totally consumed with getting the next drink. Am I that way with God? Are you? The greek word used here is dipsao, which means to painfully feel want or eagerly long for. It’s being totally consumed to the point where everything we do is affected by it? Our work, our relationships, our conversations, our thoughts? For those of us not quite there yet, there’s good good news.
“They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts; he made water flow for them from the rock; he split the rock and the water gushed out.”
Isaiah 48:21 ESV
This passage is recalling God’s faithfulness in leading Israel through the desert. A people who rebelled, complained, wanted to turn back, who questioned, who built false gods, who doubted in the face of giants. Yet God was faithful.
I love songs like, Chasing rebels down by Ben Fuller. Or rescue story by Zach Williams. Or the song we sang, Goodness of God. They are some of the most moving songs because they apply to every one of us. We can look back over our lives and see God’s faithfulness as we wandered, sometimes willingly, or sometimes because of tragedy or hardships. We see that in a story out of John 4:10-14 in the conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well. She was a wandering soul, who God never lost sight of. And one thing I love most about that story is that she found what she was looking for and she would not stop talking about Jesus.
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”
Psalm 63:1 ESV
The Hebrew word used in both of these passages is same (tsamay) which carries the same weight as the greek counterpart. Denoting that intense longing. When is the last time you truly thirsted for God? Or to be righteous? What does that look like? Listen to this quote from Saint Augustine:
You called and shouted and burst my deafness. You flashed, shone, and scattered my blindness. You breathed odors, and I drew in breath and panted for You. I tasted, and I hunger and thirst. You touched me, and I burned for Your peace.
Saint Augustine (4th Century)
This is someone who has been touched by God, who has experienced Him in a very real way. I really believe that there is supposed to be this insatiable desire and need within the beloved of Christ. To the point where we can’t wait to see Him. We can’t wait to hear from Him. We can’t wait to read His word, we meditate, we worship, we pray, we serve…we pursue…always…because we need that connection…that closeness. It is the deepest of inner longings for a connection with our Creator. It’s the awareness of our need for His presence, guidance, grace, truth, and love.
There is such a sad passage in Jeremiah. In fact, much of that book is sad. To see what has become of God’s people. And right at the beginning, God speaks to Israel and says, “My people have done two evils: They have turned away from me, the spring of living water. And they have dug their own wells, which are broken wells that cannot hold water.” (Jer 2:13) We are all guilty of digging broken wells. For trying to satisfy that longing, that thirst, in the wrong ways. And what follows is a sense of emptiness, a lack of purpose, an unattainable peace, loneliness, and often pain. But that isn’t the story God is wanting for us. Instead He says abide in me, look for me, ask, knock, come to me, seek me with your whole heart and you will find me. And the end of our story is glorious.
“”Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.””
It’s important for everyone to take time to reflect on why they do the things they do. Our motivations are key for directing our lives. If we are out of touch with our motives, then we will often behave inconsistently, hypocritically, and differentially towards others. I believe some of the most powerful aspects of a humans life is how we love, forgive, serve, and demonstrate humility. And it’s just as important to be grounded in the “why” behind all of those things.
“We love because he first loved us.”
1 John 4:19 ESV
Why love? Because He first loved us. Without His love we wouldn’t have any real firm foundation for why to love and who to love. Our love would be mostly emotion driven and inconsistent at best. We would love those who are lovable and rarely beyond that. But the love of Jesus, for those who put Him on the cross, breaks down all barriers to who we are meant to love. Jesus said to love your enemies, and He certainly demonstrated that. Love is an action of the will. And it must be sincere. When we come across unloving people every day of our lives, we can always fall back on the reminder that Jesus loves us, even in our most unlovable state. And He went to the cross out of that love. We have a heavenly love only when we’ve been transformed but His love.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 ESV
Why forgive? Because He first forgave us. Forgiveness can be difficult. If you’ve ever been betrayed, abused, or suffered great loss at the hands of someone else, you know what it’s like to struggle through the process of forgiving others. But the hard, yet freeing reality is, no one could ever hurt us as much as we’ve hurt God. Our thoughts, words, lack of faith, selfishness, and rebellion have all placed Christ on the Cross of Calvary. It’s not until we understand the great measure of grace that has been shown to us that we are finally free to forgive others as we should.
“But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””
Mark 10:43, 45 ESV
Why serve? Because He came to serve us. God in the flesh; stepped out of heaven; took on human form, and served humanity. How? He constantly gave of Himself. His life was one of the greatest humility. And when we realize it was the greatest of beings that displayed the greatest humility, how can we help but to give of ourselves?
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Philippians 2:3-8 ESV
Why be selfless? Because He was selfless. The story of all creation is His story. The Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus. In Him and through Him all things were created. He is the beginning and the end. Even-so, Jesus lived for others. He died for humanity. And He rose from the dead and conquered death to give hope to the same ones who put Him on the cross. As the apostle Paul said, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.“ It is the selflessness of Christ who gives us hope, and it is our selflessness that brings a bit of the kingdom of heaven to earth.
Today’s subject is someone lesser known, and perhaps someone not many could identify in Bible trivia. Yet his story is powerful and we can all learn from his example.
Not long ago, I was reading in the book of Jeremiah and came to a story that I have read dozens of times. But I felt God grabbing my attention with it in a new way this particular evening.
Part of it may have been that I had been spending a few weeks teaching my US History classes about equal rights warriors and my Medieval classes about reformers of the church. The idea of standing up for what is right, had been in the forefront of my conversions for nearing a month at this point, and then I come to this passage in Jeremiah 38.
I would like to introduce you to our main character. No, I am not speaking of Jeremiah. Even though he deserves much attention and credit for his faithfulness, today we are looking at a man in the shadows. His name: Ebed-Melek.
Ebed-Melek’s resume: from a Cushite background; served in the palace of King Zedekiah in the time of Jeremiah the prophet; An Ethiopian eunuch; A foreigner and a servant.
This isn’t the resume of someone who stands out. Not exactly a person many of us would expect to make a huge impact. But we need to remember what God’s word says about the people God often uses.
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.””
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 ESV
You and I are a testament to that truth. Not many believers are famous. Not many believers are hyper wealthy. Not many believers are breaking world records. But God has chosen each and every one of us for His persons. Today’s story is a great illustration of this concept as well.
“Now Shephatiah the son of Mattan, Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchiah heard the words that Jeremiah was saying to all the people: “Thus says the Lord: He who stays in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence, but he who goes out to the Chaldeans shall live. He shall have his life as a prize of war, and live. Thus says the Lord: This city shall surely be given into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon and be taken.” Then the officials said to the king, “Let this man be put to death, for he is weakening the hands of the soldiers who are left in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man is not seeking the welfare of this people, but their harm.” King Zedekiah said, “Behold, he is in your hands, for the king can do nothing against you.” So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the court of the guard, letting Jeremiah down by ropes. And there was no water in the cistern, but only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud. When Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch who was in the king’s house, heard that they had put Jeremiah into the cistern—the king was sitting in the Benjamin Gate— Ebed-melech went from the king’s house and said to the king, “My Lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they did to Jeremiah the prophet by casting him into the cistern, and he will die there of hunger, for there is no bread left in the city.” Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, “Take thirty men with you from here, and lift Jeremiah the prophet out of the cistern before he dies.” So Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the house of the king, to a wardrobe in the storehouse, and took from there old rags and worn-out clothes, which he let down to Jeremiah in the cistern by ropes. Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Put the rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.” Jeremiah did so. Then they drew Jeremiah up with ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. And Jeremiah remained in the court of the guard.”
Jeremiah 38:1-13 ESV
The story is found in Jeremiah 38:1-13. Let’s check it out. Jeremiah is imprisoned in a cistern filled with mud. The spineless King Zedekiah ordered it done. Jeremiah 38:4-9 suggests there is a real possibility of having to face death. The plot to imprison Jeremiah had been hatched through the maneuverings of some powerful but corrupt government officials who hated Jeremiah’s prophecies as pointed out in (Jeremiah 38:1-5). In steps Ebed-Melech, the righteous man from the shadows.
1. Compassion in Action
Ebed-Melek demonstrated compassion by advocating for Jeremiah’s well-being. Compassion denotes a deep desire to aide someone in need. Not only is there concern for others, true compassion necessitates a response. He had nothing to gain and could have easily have turned a blind eye to what was happening. Jeremiah’s circumstances didn’t concern Ebed-Melek.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8 ESV
Ebed-Melek’s story is a prime example of someone who pursues justice and loves kindness. When the situation looked precarious for Jeremiah, Ebed-Melek stepped in; and what a difference it made. He decided that he would not sit back and watch the prophet’s demise. Instead, he courageously went on a dangerous mission to the king to intercede for Jeremiah’s life in (Jeremiah 38:7-9).
2. Courage in Adversity
What does Jesus say the greatest act of love is? To lay down our lives for our brothers. Ebed-Melek was willing to do just that.
Ebed-Melek exercised great courage in approaching King Zedekiah to plead for Jeremiah’s rescue from the cistern. Not only was his actions challenging the King’s orders, but he was also standing up against the powerful elite who had advocated for the imprisonment of Jeremiah.
Such a mission could have had serious consequences for Ebed-Melek, considering that powerful men had been behind the plot. However, the king responded favorably to his request and gave Ebed-Melek permission to release Jeremiah from the cistern. He was also given the protection of a 30-man security contingent for the mission (Jeremiah 38:10).
Stories like this are abundant in the Bible. God standing with Moses and Aaron against the Pharaoh. God’s protection of Noah and his family. God rewarding Rahab for risking her life in protecting the spies. Esther in approaching the King to ask for the salvation of her people. Ebed-Melek is in very good company. Standing up for others is often going to come with a risk, one in which God honors.
Not only did Ebed-Melek get Jeremiah released, but he also felt Jeremiah’s pain. He knew that Jeremiah’s armpits would have been wounded when he was let down by ropes into the cistern. He also realized that those same wounds would be aggravated when Jeremiah was being pulled out of the cistern with ropes. So, what did he do?
The Scripture says that Ebed-Melek first went to a room under the treasury where he could get some rags and worn-out clothes (Jeremiah 38:11). Then, he let down the ropes with the rags, advising Jeremiah to put the rags and worn-out clothes under his arms to pad the ropes, so that his body would not get injured further (Jeremiah 38:12-13).
“Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully.” Zig Ziglar
3. Faithfulness Rewarded
Ebed-Melek’s faithfulness to God’s servant led to his own deliverance and blessing. God has an amazing track record of honoring those who stand up for righteousness and compassion.
Not too long after, Jeremiah was hauled out of the cistern to safety and subsequently continued his powerful ministry to the nation. As a result of what he did for Jeremiah, God prophetically assured Ebed-Melek of his unfailing protection in the tumultuous days ahead (Jeremiah 39:15-18).
“The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah while he was shut up in the court of the guard: “Go, and say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, I will fulfill my words against this city for harm and not for good, and they shall be accomplished before you on that day. But I will deliver you on that day, declares the Lord, and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but you shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the Lord.'””
Jeremiah 39:15-18 ESV
God never forgets his children, nor does he forget what we do for him (Isaiah 49:15).
Ebed-Melek’s name means “servant of the king”. His story is a testament of what that looks like. You and I are servants of the King of Kings. Servants who should be motivated by compassion, willing to stand up for what is right, no matter the risk, because we are called for love, and to love extravagantly.
Not only should we look to examples like these, but first and foremost, we look to the King we serve. The Word become flesh, the Alpha and Omega, the One through Whom all things were created. That same King, who took our guilt upon Himself. That King, who bore a cross of our shame. That King, who stood in the gap for broken sinful people like you and me. Because He look upon us, full of compassion. And the compassion of Jesus empowered Him to take all the mocking and torture. To challenge the misguided establishment of not only Rome, but the religious elites. To welcome the outcasts and the hurting. To forgive the most destitute in society that everyone else had given up on. To hang on a cross, and yet speak love and forgiveness on behalf of those who put him there. He is, and always will be, our greatest example of love and compassion.
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
I have felt fleeting moments of satisfaction in my near 42 years. Periods where life seemed easier and things were going my way. But anyone who has been alive for more than a minute knows that life is like the tide. Sometimes it comes in, but it also goes back out. But there is a way to be satisfied in life that is constant. It’s not through what we have. It’s not even through who we have. It’s not about the goals achieved or the milestones reached. The bible guarantees us a path to satisfaction.
“”Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Matthew 5:6 ESV
In the moments I have sought God, He’s been there. In the times I’ve chosen to find my identity in what He says about me, He speaks. When I have pursued a life of service and generosity, God has shown me the power love carries. What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?
In the next chapter of Matthew, Jesus talks about striving and being anxious about life. So much of life can be defined that way. Solomon calls it all vanity, a striving after the wind. It’s wasted worry.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 ESV
To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to hunger and thirst for God. He is the source of righteousness. He is the source of life. How could we possibly find it without apart from Him? Yet how often do we try? If we’re honest, we really do try to find satisfaction in so much besides Him. It’s in living for Him and for others that we actually experience lasting satisfaction. Everything else is fleeting.
“Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.”
Psalm 90:14 ESV
Peace and satisfaction in Christ brothers and sisters.
For Common Ground 