We make decisions every day. When we're faced with choosing between right and wrong, it's not always popular to stand up for what is right. At the risk of looking foolish or damaging a relationship, it's often tempting to choose the path of least resistance. But Ebed-melech decided it was better to take a stand, than ignore injustice. Not familiar with him? Continue reading and get to know this brave young man who made it into the annals of scripture.
Remember the prophet Jeremiah? He was known as the weeping prophet for a reason. He was God's spokesman to the people of Judah for forty years. The results? No one listened to him. In fact, he endured poverty and prison because of the unpopular messages of doom he delivered to the king and the people of Judah. Doesn't sound like the type of job many of us would be clamoring to take, does it?!
Things went from bad to worse for Jeremiah - the princes of Judah requested that he be put to death. King Zedekiah agreed to their demand. Only one person realized the injustice that was being carried out. You guessed it - Ebed-melech. He thought the situation was serious enough to risk approaching the king, "... 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 38:8-9;KJV).
The king granted his request. Ebed-melech was willing to stand up for what was right, and as a result, Jeremiah's life was spared. And although God's judgment fell on the people of Jerusalem, just as Jeremiah had prophesied, Ebed-melech received a special message from the Lord, "...I will surely deliver thee, and thou shalt not fall by the sword, but thy life shall be for a prey unto thee: because thou hast put thy trust in me, saith the Lord," (Jeremiah 39:18).
Taking a stand for what is right may not always be popular, but learn a lesson from Ebed-melech - doing what is right is ALWAYS the right thing to do!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me to stand up for what is right even in the face of adversity. Forgive me when I've chosen the approval of man over Your approval. Help me to take a biblical stand when Your truth is at stake. In Jesus' name, Amen.
