1. Two men of courage (1-13)

Jeremiah's preaching sounded seditious. He advocated surrender to the Babylonians. But he was not politically motivated; he was God's servant and his message was God's word for the nation. Because of his unpopular message, he was thrown in a large cistern and left to die. He was saved by a Cushite, Ebed-Melech, a man who feared God. He went to the king and got permission to pull Jeremiah out of the cistern. Because of one man of conscience--a Gentile African--God's servant was saved.

2. A cowardly king (14-28)

The king was scared. He called Jeremiah secretly and asked him what to do. Jeremiah again said, 'Surrender, and your life and the city will be spared.' The king was afraid of the Babylonians; he was afraid to surrender, and afraid not to surrender. He was afraid that someone would find out about his conversation with Jeremiah. 'Cowards die a thousand deaths.'

Application: Lord, give me courage to speak your word truthfully and faithfully.
One Word: Listen to what God says and obey