"But I will deliver you on that day, declares the Lord, and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but 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

Here we find one of the many silver threads woven throughout the Scriptures. God honors those who honor Him. Ebed-melech the Ethiopian trusted the Lord and willingly sought the welfare of Jeremiah at the expense of his own safety. When King Zedekiah was too frightened to obey the instructions of the Lord, he suffered a great loss, but the Ethiopian received his life as a prize of war.

No matter how dark the days may be, whatever the future may bring, however deep the troubled waters may seem, God is faithful to those who trust Him. While a rebellious king is forsaken, the faithful servant is blessed. Be true to His Word and honor Him, however great the temptation and He will honor you my friend.