Thursday, August 11, 2022

Thurs., 8/11/22 Devotion (Jer. 39:18b)

Today's encouragement comes from Jeremiah 39:18b, where we read these words:

" . . . 'But your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me,' says the LORD."

This statement (above) was made by God, to an Ethiopian man named Ebed-Melech. The Lord specifically commissioned the prophet Jeremiah to say this to Ebed-Melech. Almost everyone else in Jerusalem was going to feel the wrath of the Babylonians; but this Ethiopian man (maybe not even a Jew) was going to be spared.

. . . And why? Because Ebed-Melech put his trust in God. There is great pow-er in regenerative, saving faith in Christ. This kind of faith pleases God (Heb. 11:6); and the Lord promises to bless all those who believe His promises, all in Jesus, (cf. 2 Cor. 1:18-22).

[Puritan quote of the day: "The saints and people of God have no true reason for their discouragements, whatever their condition be.” —William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"