Cast Clouts And Rotten Rags

“So Ebedmelech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took thence old cast clouts and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremiah.” (Jer. 38:11)

The message that Jeremiah was told to preach to the people of Israel was not a popular one. The princes of the Kingdom had him placed into a horrible pit of mire where was likely to die of hunger. Here are some lessons we learn from Jeremiah’s pit experience.

FIRST—God can use anyone. 

Ebedmelech is not of the household of King David; he is not even an Israelite. He is a eunuch of Ethiopia. And yet, it is Ebedmelech that God uses to bring deliverance to the prophet Jeremiah.

SECOND—God can use anyone at any time. 

It seemed that the fate of Jeremiah was sealed. He was in a dungeon that he could not get out of on is own. But God sent the right man at the right time! God’s timing is always right.

THIRD—God can use anyone at any time, in any place.

Praise God for those whom He uses to encourage us when we are in the pit of circumstances. We may not be able to get out, but God can get in!

FOURTH—God can use any thing. 

When Ebedmelech comes to the innermost prison, there are no cords to be found to let down to Jeremiah for his deliverance. Some old cast clouts and old rotten rags are found. They are tied together to make a rope. Jeremiah is told to place this homemade rope around his armpits and he is pulled to freedom.

You might feel like God could never use you. Be encouraged! If God can use old rotten rags for His glory, He can certainly use you!

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