Category: We Need Each Other

Just a Servant of the King

Those opportunities you have taken to go the extra mile; bringing soft rags when ropes were all that was required, have been recorded by The KING. Don’t believe me? They why do we know Ebed-melech’s name?

Sometimes the little mentioned and lesser known people in the Bible are my favorite examples. They are just ordinary enough for us to imagine ourselves in their sandals and yet extraordinary enough for us to imagine being that heroic.

I am reading the book of Jeremiah and while the determination and heroism that Jeremiah displays amazes me, there is another guy that has my attention. Ebed-Melech was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, who was in service to the king . As a matter of fact, his name literally translates, “servant of the king”. I’m assuming the king may have had a say in that. The question is, to which king was he servant

He was in the palace of King Zedekiah. Wielding borrowed power, Zedekiah was a “puppet” king of Judah appointed by none other than the King of Babylon, His Royal Highness King Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiah wasn’t just a Babylon royal flunky or a street urchin from Jerusalem, he was actually the son of King Josiah of Judah, but not of the same caliber. His biggest failure was of course, disobeying the Lord.

“Neither he nor his attendants nor the people of the land paid any attention to the words the LORD had spoken through Jeremiah the prophet.”

Jeremiah 37:2

But he did like some prayer cover from Jeremiah. He is recorded saying, “Please pray to the LORD our God for us.” Jeremiah 37:3b. He would send for Jeremiah secretly and ask for a word from God. I’ve seen this before. All of my life, U.S. Presidents, would call on Rev. Billy Graham to pray on the eve of an important event. They might not be obedient to the Lord themselves, but hey, Rev. Graham was, so let’s get him to ask God for help. It couldn’t hurt. Personally, I was always glad to see it. The same was true of Zedekiah. He knew that the Lord’s blessing was needed to survive but obeying just never came easy.

Who was Jeremiah?

Jeremiah was a prophet with an unpopular message and to ask him to pray was to ask for the truth of God’s message to the people, no matter how harsh. Jeremiah had already endured great suffering for the messages God gave him. He had been flogged, held in a cell, a dungeon, stocks, and was forced to hide from his own people. God had also put some demands on him. He was told to walk around without clothes for a time, wear a metal collar, buy property in a land going into captivity, and other extreme”object lessons”.

Why so much hatred for Jeremiah? His message: Judah was going to be captured by Babylon and the only way to survive was surrender. Just follow your captors and make the best of it. If you stay here in the Promised Land and try to fight you will surely die. Your great sin has brought God’s judgement. Not exactly patriotism and prosperity.

As a matter of fact that scripture that we all love so much and quote as our own promise:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Those are instructions for going into captivity. Jeremiah gives them this promise right after telling them their captivity would last seventy years and then God would come do all the good things He had promised. Knowing their condition makes this verse an even more welcome promise.

Setting all that aside, we know Jeremiah made personal enemies throughout his life by calling out false prophets and denying the swelling words of Israel’s leaders. He could have originated the saying, “don’t shoot the messenger.” Jeremiah said in chapter 20:8, “When I speak, the words burst out, ‘Violence and destruction!’ I shout. So these messages from the Lord have made me a household joke.” Yet, Jeremiah was faithful to the true warning and His God who spoke to Him.

Opposition Comes – Brings Opportunity

In chapter 38, a group of court officials decided they had heard enough. Without going into the backgrounds of each, suffice it say they had either had confrontations with Jeremiah themselves or their father and grandpa had and there was a family grudge against him.

So these officials went to the king and said, “Sir, this man must die! That kind of talk will undermine the morale of the few fighting men we have left, as well as that of all the people. This man is a traitor!

King Zedekiah agreed. “All right,” he said. ” Do as you like, I can’t stop you.”

Jeremiah 38: 4,5

Okay Zedekiah. These are court officials. Your court officials. You are the king. I don’t know what kind of royal politics is being played here, but kings usually trump princes. Nevertheless, they won and Zedekiah sat on his weak hands and let the man of God suffer.

A song titled: Alone in a Muddy Pit

The Bible says “they took him from his cell and lowered him by ropes into an empty cistern in the prison yard. There was no water in the cistern but there was a thick layer of mud at the bottom and Jeremiah sank down in it.” (The pictures above were taken from the plot of ground said to be Caiaphas’ yard. He had several cells behind his home and this cistern. These were from Jesus’ time and a church has been built on top.) The fact that there was a thick layer of mud makes me think this would have been in the rainy season, probably cold. Jeremiah is sitting in this deep, dark, wet mudhole waiting until starvation took his life. The mud is making his skin sensitive. He is cold with no relief. All of his clothes are wet and heavy with mud. Soaked to the bone but thirsty beyond words, Jeremiah sits and laments. Literally, he was the author of the book of Lamentations. He wrote this of his experience.

My enemies, whom I have never harmed, hunted me down like a bird. They threw me into a pit and dropped stones on me. The water rose over my head and I cried, “This is the end!”

Lamentations 3:52-54

That’s where our friend, Ebed-melech appears. Jeremiah 38 tells us that when Ebed-melech realized what had happened to Jeremiah, he ran to King Zedekiah who was holding court in the Benjamin Gate. Surrounded by more court officials, Ebed-melech accuses the other officials of wickedness for putting Jeremiah in the muddy cistern. The food had nearly run out in city and Jeremiah would surely die.

A servant telling a king that his decision was wrong, his court officials were wicked, and making this pronouncement while the king is holding court is unthinkable. Ebed-melech was only a servant of the king. He took a great chance. He spoke against the popular opinions of the day. This wouldn’t lead to promotion. It might lead to death. It’s becoming more clear, which King he serves.

“Speak up for those who can not speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.”

Proverbs 31:8

King Zedekiah, always the puppet, agreed with Ebed-melech this time. “Take thirty of my men with you, and pull Jeremiah out of the cistern before he dies.” 38:10.

Serving the King is ALWAYS an Adventure

The Bible tells us that Ebed-melech went to a room in the palace beneath the treasury and found some rags to soften the ropes he would use to pull out Jeremiah. Ebed-melech called down to Jeremiah, “Put these rags under your armpits to protect you from the ropes.” vs. 12. When Jeremiah was ready they pulled him out.

Ebed-melech’s care shows extraordinary compassion. It wouldn’t do for Ebed-melech to tie off a cattle rope and throw it down to Jeremiah with the instruction to pull himself up. Ebed-melech didn’t say, “Hey, I talked to the king. You thirty guys heard him. Get him out.” Ebed-melech didn’t even rush Jeremiah. The Bible points out that he didn’t pull a single inch until Jeremiah was ready.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience

Colossians 3:12

He was a servant of the KING. He knew a servant should be entrusted with a job from start to finish, and that his work reflected on his king. His king loved Jeremiah and he was worth the effort.

The rescue is completed and the book of Jeremiah continues. Jeremiah is held in prison, not free, but not in a muddy cistern. While he is there and shortly before the captivity of Jerusalem is completed by Nebuchadnezzar, Jeremiah received this message from the Lord.

Jehovah Remembers

Say to Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: I will do to this city everything I have threatened. I will send disaster, not prosperity. You will see its destruction, but I will rescue you from those you fear so much. Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward, I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!’

Jeremiah 39:16-18
“You will see its destruction, but I will rescue you.” Words from the KING.

The Lord sends word that Ebed-melech’s service was not only noticed but would be rewarded. He’s told that his rescue of Jeremiah will result in God’s rescue of him. The city would fall. The disaster, as promised, would come but that which Ebed-melech feared wouldn’t destroy him. He was a believer in the messages of judgement Jeremiah had preached. He feared God’s wrath on Jerusalem. The LORD’s final words must have brought such relief. “I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the LORD, have spoken!”

God never loses count. He can destroy and spare simultaneously. Ask Rahab. He knows those who belong to Him. He really knows them. It’s the kind of knowing that says, “I know your fears.”, “I saw that selfless act.”, and “I know you are trusting me.”

Even when the “king” we serve at the moment may not seem just or wise; or the times we must swim against the flow of popular demand, He sees. Those opportunities you have taken to go the extra mile; bringing soft rags when ropes were all that was required, have been recorded by The KING. Don’t believe me? Then why do we know Ebed-melech’s name?

And the rewards are certain. The KING that Ebed-melech served has spoken.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not human masters, since you know you will receive an inheritance from the LORD, as a reward. It is the LORD Christ you are serving.”

Colossians 3:23-24

What is you’re calling? Just a Servant to the KING.

You’ve Got Mail

You walk in the door leaving the stresses of your job in the garage, where you will pick them up tomorrow. Now it’s time for supper, kitchen clean-up, a little yard work before it’s dark, and then pay a few bills before bed. Ho hum. But first, you rifle through the mail. Bill, catalog, another cruise advertisement, bill, letter, dentist appointment reminder…. Wait! Go back! It’s a letter. I got a letter. It doesn’t look like an invitation. It’s not my birthday. I don’t even think it is a thank you card. It’s a real, this-changes-my-whole-day, letter! Been there?

You brew the coffee, put up your lunch bag, let the dog out and make sure all is right in your little world before you sit down to tear open this rare envelope. You want to savor it. I will typically read it once, quickly jumping from bit to bit as if it will vanish if I don’t read it fast enough. Then I reread it and let the words enter my heart and mind like a good song.

That’s the power of a letter.

It is an art that is vanishing with the click of an email, or even faster, a text. I’m not opposed to those. I use them all the time. But there is an uniqueness to a handwritten letter. Words are chosen carefully and put down in ink for all to see and often kept for posterity. Just after I finished 8th grade my parents decided to move us to another town. It was actually an adjoining town to where I had grown up, but it might as well been another universe. Starting high school with no friends was terrifying. I remember when I received a letter from my old Best Friend Forever back home. Her words soothed an anxious soul. She missed me “lots” and quoted an Amy Grant song that we both loved, “in a little while, we’ll be with the Father”. (I told you it was traumatic.). I still have that letter.

I have a stack of postcards that a close friend sent to me as her and her hubby traveled for weeks at a time after he retired. Her day-to-day adventures and laughs were shared with me to refresh my non-vacationing soul. It was as if I was making memories with them.

Speaking of hubbies, mine is a man of few words; but I have a heart shaped box full of letters he wrote before we married. Priceless. What a gift that will be for my grandkids.

I bet you tried to read the letter above. See how inviting they are?

Then there are the letters that came in the mail from a friend at the very moment it was so desperately needed. “I want you to know how much our friendship means to me.”, “I prayed for you this morning.”, or “I read this scripture today and I thought of you.” Those are the ones you pull out of the folds of your Bible and reread on those days your love tank is sucking fumes……or on just any day a “word hug” is needed.

Letter writing is biblical. David wrote letters as king. Elijah wrote a letter in 2 Chronicles and Jeremiah is recorded as a letter writer as well. The first apostles wrote letters to the early church, Peter wrote several letters and of course there is Paul writing the epistles (letters) to the Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians and so on. Some of the most famous letters were those Jesus instructed John to write to the seven churches in Revelation.

We are still rereading those and will continue until the words are all fulfilled. Their words were of course inspired of God and Holy. (2 Timothy 3:16). Ours can be also. I’m not saying that people will one day memorize your letter to Aunt Myrtle, but the words you prayerfully scribble could be the very encouragement or truth that God would say to her today.

“The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain…”

Proverbs 10:11

“The words of the godly encourage many,…”

Proverbs 10:21

“Some people make cutting remarks; but the words of the wise bring healing.”

Proverbs 12:18

That note that you keep putting off could make all the difference, even bring healing. God can use your stationery and pen to give life. There will be a word or story or a question that shows concern and it makes an impact on the reader’s day and ultimately her life. When she reads your story she’ll know you think enough of her to share. She will pull it out to show family and they too will enjoy your tales.

I know the blank sheet of paper, no matter how beautiful, can be intimidating. Where do you start? What should you say? Well, let me answer with a question. What were the thoughts that made you want to write this person in the first place? Do you have a word to encourage? Do you miss them? Have you a memory that made you smile? I can’t imagine anything sweeter than being reminded of a special laugh shared between friends. Sometimes we have something difficult to say or too awkward tete-a-tete. That is the perfect time to write those words. You can practice the lay of them and get the meaning just right. For those of us who stumble frequently over spoken words, writing them gives the pause I need to make my thoughts meaningful.

Let me also encourage the men who are reading today, this pertains particularly to you. History tells us that President Ronald Reagan was a prolific letter writer, having written at least 10,000 letters in his lifetime. His legacy includes letters of appreciation and encouragement to prime ministers as well as private citizens, his family, and even children. There are volumes of love letters he wrote to his dear Nancy. Thankfully, many of our forefathers were the same. Much of what we know about their beliefs and convictions is from letters they wrote. Can you imagine what an impact you could make on future generations in your family? I think I have kept every letter that my dad ever wrote me. Your written word, Dad, could be the word needed and held to for decades.

Speaking of legacies, they are not made of phone calls. You can’t reread a telephone conversation. Even in the repeating of the story often the truth is lost. Texts are necessary and memes are hilarious, but a written word of truth lasts. Often, I find myself ending a letter with scripture. It’s almost as if to say, “Never mind all the gobbledy gook I just jotted in the last six paragraphs. Here is the truth.”

I found this quote and thought it pretty much nailed me.

A woman seldom writes her Mind, but in her postscript.

Richard Steele, Spectator

Paul would often close his letters with final instructions. Greet these friends, beware of those, hope to see you soon. So-and-so sends his love. Then he would evidently sign it with his own large handwriting. Maybe someone did the letter writing from dictation (often Paul’s hands were chained) and he would sign. It was important to him. It’s the handshake at the end of the message and proved it was from him.

Peter said in 1 Peter 5:12, “My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.” Those words are still assuring to the follower of Christ. I want to write letters that encourage and speak grace to the reader, causing them to stand firm and continue in the battle. Don’t you?

So what do you say? Grab a nice sheet of paper and your favorite pen and “hug” someone with words today.

You want my address???

They All Were the One

Have you ever felt a failure at soul winning? It seems like some people say the right thing, at the right time, to the right person and the harvest if plentiful. Of course, we are thrilled; but doesn’t the devil remind us that it’s been a loooong time since we could tell that story?

On the other hand, maybe you’re the street preaching, soul winner that has a hard time understanding why everyone isn’t out in the fields rescuing souls for God. You’re happy to be in the middle of what God is doing; but the devil always asks you where everyone else is while you are working so hard. You can’t fathom why some seem to sit on the sideline and let you do all the preaching.

Either way, I have a story for you…

Once Upon a Time

A miracle happened this morning. Mr. Cavender, a 45 year old, father of two, and successful medical equipment representative gave his heart to Jesus. He decided right there at Manna’s Table Restaurant, sitting across from Pastor Paul. It was a beautiful thing as great peace entered his heart and heaven sang.

You might say, “Wow, that Pastor Paul is amazing.” And right you would be. Pastor Paul is every bit wonderful.

But what about Brenda, who works the morning shift at Manna’s Table? She refills the coffee cups, takes the orders with quick wit and a ready smile. She never wipes a table without praying for the next guests who will sit there. She has her regulars and knows their troubles. Those she doesn’t know get an extra prayer and often a short encouragement in the Lord. “God bless y’all. Have a blessed day. God has given us a gorgeous day, hasn’t He?” Or whatever she thinks “works” in the conversation.

She has waited on Mr. Cavender for three years. Black coffee, 2 pieces of toast with grape jelly and a newspaper, if she can get it out of Coach Mike’s hands. He usually just wants the sports pages anyway. She prays for Mr. Cavender every weekday unless he is traveling. Even then, Brenda often remembers to ask the Lord to save Mr. Cavender. Brenda thinks of him as a friend.

You might say, “Man, that Brenda is something, isn’t she? She takes her waitressing job to a whole new level. She’s probably the reason Mr. Cavender is saved today.” Probably so. But let’s not forget Tom Rob.

Tom owns Manna’s Table Restaurant. He started there as a parking lot attendant while in high school. He worked all the way up to manager and when the original owner, Mrs. Donath, was wanting to retire and sell, Tom took all his savings, got a loan, and bought the place he loved so much. Tom has worked hard to keep it going.

Those nights when the repairs and supplies cost more than the pancakes he sold that day, he asks the Lord, why? He knows, without the Lord even answering. This is a place where families can come and enjoy a wholesome environment. He likes to play Christian music and offer reading materials that glorify His Lord and Savior. Lots of teenagers have worked for him and he takes every opportunity to tell them how much God loves them and gives them purpose. He loves to hear his employees sharing an encouraging word with patrons. THAT’S why he keeps paying the bills and sharing His Table with the community.

“Thank God for Tom!”, you say. Yes, indeed. Thank God for him. So, is he the reason for Mr. Cavender’s salvation? After all, he would have never met Brenda or Pastor Paul without Manna’s Table. Tom’s the hero, here. Yes, Tom and Dr. Sami.

Dr. Sami is a client of Mr. Cavender’s. Though most doctors and their staffs want all the free stuff they could get from Mr. Cavender, Dr. Sami is always giving. With the birth of each of his sons, Dr. Sami gave Mr. Cavender a huge care basket full of baby supplies. Remembering that Mr. Cavender loved the Houston Astros, each basket included a handmade baby blanket with the Astros logo right in the middle. Not just stuff, but Dr. Sami would find a way to share a scripture in every conversation. He didn’t preach or make Mr. Cavender feel uncomfortable, just always had the perfect word of wisdom for every situation. Mr. Cavender looked forward to sales calls to Dr. Sami more than any other. He was just nice.

Well, then, Dr. Sami gets the credit for Mr. Cavender’s salvation. Yes, he does. He showed Mr. Cavender what Jesus was really like, month after month. But let’s not forget Nana Jessie.

Nana Jessie wasn’t really his nana, nor was her real name Jessie. Her real name was Jessup Carleen Towler. She had lived next door to little Billy Cavender all his years of growing up. She was his sitter, when his mom was still at work. She came to most of his Little League games. As matter of fact, Nana Jessie was the one who taught him all about the Houston Astros. She would wear her Astros t-shirt and big orange baseball earrings and shout at the tv like a sports announcer. He loved her. He also knew there was one thing she loved more than baseball. She was crazy about Jesus. She was always praying for him and she let him know it. Despite his rolling eyes or “hmphs” when she would tell him she had prayed, Billy Cavender sometime hinted around for some of those prayers. “You gonna pray for me right, Nana Jessie? Haha.” As an adult, Mr. Cavender has considered those prayers some of the greatest gifts anyone has every offered.

Now that he is saved, Mr. Cavender knows that most of those prayers were for what happened this very morning at Manna’s Table. Nana wanted him to know Jesus like she did. Even in middle age, he knew that Nana Jessie loved Jesus more than anyone he had ever met. She definitely was responsible for clearing the way for Mr. Cavender to find Jesus.

Yes, Pastor Paul and Waitress Brenda and Owner Tom Rob and Dr. Sami and Nana Jessie are all “the one” who led Mr. Cavender to the Lord. Unbeknownst to them, they were operating as one body. One is the arm of strength, another the thoughtful mind, and still another the heart of compassion. And all of them salty, causing Mr. Cavender to be thirsty for something more in life.

“Thus the saying, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ is true”

John 4:37

Even an obstacle directs your path

Those are the cheerleaders along the way; but God also used the opposition to guide Mr. Cavender. Consider his boss, Mr. Mullin. Smart, on top of the corporate chain, beautiful home, lovely wife, and cranky and miserable as a man has ever been. His mind is constantly on how to squeeze more money from another deal. His cheating and conniving have paid in cash, no doubt; but Mr. Cavender has often wondered if Mullin could ever be happy. There had to be more to life than another great deal.

Seeing himself striving for the same empty rewards that Boss Mullin had accomplished, Mr. Cavender had begun thinking about real purpose in life. He knew people with much less “success” and much more contentment. That’s what he really wanted.

Even his best friend, Kyle, was drinking more and more to have a good time and “relax a little” after work. It seemed “relax” had become passed out cold in his recliner. Kyle was a great guy, but drinking had stolen his gusto for life. Every hour of the day was just one more closer to that longed for drink. Bill loved his friend, but that wasn’t life. There had to be more.

So, maybe, Mullins and Kyle had pushed Bill Cavender toward Jesus. They may be responsible for his decision to become a Christian. Of course, there was the unmentioned VBS teacher that taught Billy and a group of rowdy third graders all about Jesus’ great love for them. Mr Cavender also shared a flight with a born again, bathroom fixture salesman who shared a little of his testimony between here and Philly. And we will never know those who planned the VBS, bought the supplies, mowed the grass, drove the bus, paid the bills and gave the offerings to provide ministry throughout his life. But God certainly does. And because of their faithful efforts, Mr. Cavender will enjoy eternity in Heaven.

You may have even been responsible for the salvation of Mr. Cavender and never knew it. That’s how God works. We live our lives, pray our prayers, give our gifts, and tell our stories, all the while the Holy Spirit is drawing men unto Him. We all work the garden, but God produces the fruit.

“So, neither is the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”

1 Corinthians 3:7

And He is a Master Gardener.

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