What Are Friends For?

The LORD had given the following message to Jeremiah while he was still in prison: “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 39.15-18]

I wanted to write today about Ebed-melech because a quick search of his name reveals that he is only mentioned by Jeremiah in the Bible. He is referred to as "the Ethiopian" and "an important court official" in Jerusalem.

From the context of Jeremiah's mentions of Ebed-melech, the man was a friend to Jeremiah. This seems important. Ebed-melech was a friend to Jeremiah, and, from the passage above, God apparently thought pretty highly of him.

What does this mean?

Jeremiah was not likely the most popular prophet around in his time. Most folks really didn't like what Jeremiah spoke (for the LORD). But Ebed-melech was an advocate for Jeremiah - he spoke up for Jeremiah when Jeremiah was in no position to speak up for himself.

Again, though, what does it mean?

This is just my opinion, so it should be given only corresponding consideration. However, it  occurs to me that friendship is not only a good thing, but it can be used as a God-thing. The LORD used Ebed-melech to bring relief to Jeremiah in a desperate time. Ebed-melech was a friend to Jeremiah in a desperate time.

Naturally most of us wonder, "how many friends do I have like that?" That sounds like a Social Media question, doesn't it?

But, for those of us who first selfishly asked the question above, we revealed an important misgiving in our lives. The more important question to ask is, "how am I such a friend as Ebed-melech in anyone else's life?"

Father, thank You for the testimony of Ebed-melech today. May I be found such a friend in the lives of others. May I be found as Your help to my friends.