A Prize of War

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 39-40

Scripture Focus: I will deliver you on that day...  You shall have your life as a prize of war, because you have put your trust in me, declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 39.17-18)

Devotional Thought: Today is Veterans Day in America.  Our veterans are from a wide variety of backgrounds, races, and origins.  They all have one thing in common, though: They all swore to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; [and to] bear true faith and allegiance to the same."  In fulfilling that oath, they put their own convenience, preference and wellbeing aside.

Ebed-melech was a veteran of sorts.  He served his country in a time of war.  Though he was foreign-born (an Ethiopian), he was a staunch supporter and defender of Jerusalem.  He put his own life on the line when he rescued Jeremiah from the cistern where he was thrown to die.  Because he rescued Jeremiah, trusting in God, he was promised deliverance on the day Jerusalem fell.  And, God also promised him his life as a prize of war. While Jerusalem faced certain destruction God said he would look with favor upon Ebed-melech.

Glean some valuable truths from this Old Testament story:

·       We are not immune from the bad decisions of others.  Ebed-melech - and many other righteous people of Jerusalem - suffered for their leaders' poor choices.

·       Though we live in a time of "war," when we put our trust in God he will deliver us.  We may have to go through the battles, but in the end we will be victorious.

·       We are promised life after this "war."  Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, and because of his resurrection, those who trust in him will live forever. 

You have been given your life as a prize of war!  Put your trust in the Lord!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness.  Though I am living in a time of "war", you will give me victory and deliverance.  I trust in you, O Lord.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 120.1-7

1 In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.

2 Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.

3 What shall be given to you, and what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue?

4 A warrior’s sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree!

5 Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!

6 Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace.

7 I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war!