How can we support those facing persecution like Jeremiah in Jeremiah 38:6? Jeremiah’s Pit of Persecution Jeremiah 38:6: “So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard; and they lowered Jeremiah by ropes into the cistern. It had no water, only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud.” • A faithful prophet is publicly humiliated, isolated, and left to die. • His ministry does not waver, yet he cannot rescue himself. • God uses others—like Ebed-Melech (vv. 7-13)—to pull him up. Why This Matters Today • Persecution still pushes believers into “muddy pits”—prisons, social exclusion, loss of work, ridicule. • God remains the Deliverer, but He often works through obedient people who notice, speak up, and act. • Our response reveals whether we embrace the Body-of-Christ reality: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). What Scripture Calls Us To Do • Remember and empathize – “Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them” (Hebrews 13:3). • Carry burdens – “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). • Speak for the voiceless – “Open your mouth for those with no voice” (Proverbs 31:8). • Supply practical help – “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food… what good is it?” (James 2:15-16). • Refresh the weary – Onesiphorus “often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains” (2 Timothy 1:16). Practical Ways to Stand with the Persecuted 1. Notice and name the need – Stay informed through trustworthy ministries; ignorance breeds inaction. 2. Intercede regularly – Set specific times to pray for individuals and nations where believers suffer (Acts 12:5). 3. Advocate boldly – Write, call, post, and vote to defend religious freedom; Ebed-Melech confronted the king (Jeremiah 38:8-9). 4. Give sacrificially – Support families who lose income, fund legal defense, and send Bibles and relief supplies (Philippians 4:15-18). 5. Offer presence – Visit prisoners, send letters, video-call exiles: “I was in prison and you came to Me” (Matthew 25:36). 6. Welcome the displaced – Host refugees, help with resettlement paperwork, teach language skills (Romans 12:13). 7. Celebrate faithfulness – Share testimonies in church, encourage children with stories of courage, ignite worship not pity (Hebrews 10:24). Encouragement for the Persecuted and Their Helpers • “Blessed are you when people insult you… Rejoice and be glad” (Matthew 5:11-12). • “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). • “We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed… always carrying in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). Living It Out Ebed-Melech modeled decisive compassion: he saw Jeremiah sinking, risked his position, gathered supplies, recruited help, and lifted the prophet out. When believers today mirror that courage—through prayer, advocacy, giving, and presence—the mud of persecution cannot silence God’s message or His messengers. |
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