Introduction

Good morning, brothers and sisters. We're about to delve into a scripture that's going to challenge us, inspire us, and motivate us to action. Our focus today is on Jeremiah 38:1-13, a story that perfectly illustrates that God uses ordinary folks like you and me for extraordinary purposes.

As C.S. Lewis once said, "Faith is the art of holding on to things in spite of your changing moods and circumstances."

Let me read Jeremiah 38:1-13 to you:

[Read passage]

Let's bow our heads for an opening prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, as we explore Your word today, we ask that you give us the courage to step out in faith, the strength to obey, even when it’s hard, and the understanding that You can use each and every one of us for Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. Now, let's dive into this rich text and see what God has to say to us today.

God Calls Ordinary People to Action

The story of Jeremiah and Ebed-Melek is a story that resonates with us because it's about ordinary individuals, like you and me, who are called upon to do extraordinary things. Ebed-Melek, a Cushite and an official in the royal palace, was not a prophet, not a priest, not a king. He was an ordinary man, but God used him to save the life of His prophet Jeremiah.

God doesn't always call the equipped: He always equips the called. Ebed-Melek didn't have any special skills or qualifications to rescue Jeremiah. He was not a soldier or a strategist. But he had something that was far more important - he had faith. He had the courage to stand up to the king and speak the truth, even when it was unpopular. He had the compassion to care about the welfare of Jeremiah, even when others had abandoned him. And he had the commitment to take action, even when it was risky. God used these qualities - faith, courage, compassion, and commitment - to equip Ebed-Melek for the task at hand.

In our lives: We may often feel like we're not qualified or equipped to do what God is calling us to do. We may feel like we don't have the right skills, the right resources, or the right connections. But the story of Ebed-Melek reminds us that God doesn't call us based on our qualifications or resources. He calls us based on our faith and our willingness to obey. He equips us with His strength, His wisdom, and His grace. And He uses us to accomplish His purposes in ways that we could never imagine.

God's call to action often involves taking risks: Ebed-Melek risked his position, his reputation, and even his life to save Jeremiah. He took a stand for what was right, even when it was dangerous. He stepped out in faith, trusting that God would protect him and guide him. In our lives, God's call to action may also involve taking risks. It may involve stepping out of our comfort zones, standing up for what's right, or making sacrifices for the sake of others. But the story of Ebed-Melek reminds us that when we take risks for God, He is faithful to protect us, guide us, and use our actions for His glory.

God's call to action often involves serving others: Ebed-Melek's action was not about gaining power or prestige. It was about serving Jeremiah, serving the truth, and ultimately, serving God. In our lives, God's call to action often involves serving others - caring for the needy, standing up for the oppressed, sharing the gospel with the lost. It's not about gaining power or prestige, but about demonstrating God's love and compassion to the world.

The Courage to Step Out in Faith

Jeremiah, a prophet of God, was not afraid to speak the truth, even when it was unpopular and even dangerous ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO