In Lam. 3:52-58 Jeremiah describes cruelty by God’s people and a rescue that would make headlines. You can read the event in Jer 38:1-6.

You might even be able to relate on some level:

Despised for speaking truth.

Treated despicably by those you sought to help.

Defenseless and vulnerable.

Stuck in the mire of some circumstance with no way out.

Sinking slowing into despair over what seems inevitable.

Pummeled by those taking pleasure inflicting more pain.

But in Lam. 3:52-58 Jeremiah saw God’s hand in it. You can read about his heroic rescue in Jer 38:7-13. In it you’ll read the rest of the story with an interesting twist.

You could almost see the headline: African Man Puts Life on The Line to Rescue a Jew by Dropping a Rag. 

Have you ever wondered why God does things that seem so counterintuitive?

It’s like He delights in using the unexpected or most unlikely sources to teach us to look for His help from those we might otherwise dismiss, dislike or even despise.

The Samaritan was the true neighbor to one laying by the roadside.

Elijah got fed by God from a ceremonially unclean raven.

Then told by God to request a starving widow’s last meal: two sticks and piece of cake. (You can “Read All About It” here)

Rags, ravens, and two sticks to rub together. It’s God’s method.

That’s embarrassing. Thankfully they listened to God instead of their pride.

There’s also a soul sinking under the weight of guilt, shame, failure, loss, religious expectations and demands who finally gives up only to find God’s hand of grace extended and waiting for faith to take hold of it.

Look at Jeremiah mired in circumstances beyond his control and see a hand. It’s a hand that has chosen to allow God to use to extend grace to another needy soul:

It’s the neighbor you don’t like but was the only one who showed up to help you.

It’s the lady from a different denomination you look down upon offering a gift when no one else would.

It’s that loner or unlikeable one at work who lends a hand in the nick of time when you were in way over your head on that project.

And it’s your hand and mine when we choose to help someone whose need takes courage or compassion but is outside our margin of comfort. 

God’s people wouldn’t help a brother in need, so God used a courageous compassionate Ethiopian with a rag and a will to get involved.

It leaves me wondering.

Which is harder: Being the courageous Ethiopian or receiving God’s help through some unlikely or undesirable person who’s reaching out? 

It’s God’s method when you or someone you know is in the mire. Don’t let pride get in the way of being or taking the hand that extends God’s grace.

Here’s my question to you this week: What unlikely source might God be using to extend His grace to you or who is the unlikely person He wants you to show courage and compassion toward? Take a moment and rely; I’d love to know and read every email.

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