Today's reading: Esther 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; Luke 18
S) "8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, 'There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from those of all other people and they do not observe the king’s laws, so it is not in the king’s interest to let them remain.'"
O) Villainous Haman is plotting against all of the sojourning, exiled Jews for two distinct reasons. First, because of historical bad blood, as he was an Agagite. Second, because of his spite, from the perceived disrespect by Mordecai (Esther's uncle, who had adopted her). This verse, in particular, reveals a very important concept, though. The Kingdom of God does not rely on an earthly king to lead it. The Kingdom is not defined by flags or politics. The Kingdom is not confined by borders. These people belong to the LORD, and no governing laws or captivity would change that. Their allegiance was not geographical, but spiritual. The Kingdom is, and has been, a counter-culture. It is a simul-kingdom, if you will, that exists alongside, or within, or overlaid atop another kingdom/government.
A) I need to remember, it is not an invisible Kingdom. Mordecai knew it existed, others knew throughout the exile, and today the Kingdom should be felt in my world as well. Mordecai was noticed because he refused to bow down before Haman (which was breaking a law, or possibly just a custom, but it was taken as disrespect). The New Testament makes it very clear, though, that I am to be in subjection to the ruling authorities over me, so long as they are not asking me to sin. So, I should be bold like Mordecai, but understand what could be at stake. At the very least, I should be prayerful, following the lead of the Holy Spirit, before I disobey governing authorities or break laws. But, my allegiance in God's Kingdom should be felt, even still. Particularly, it should be the shining light on the hill, about which Jesus talked. I should be a beacon of hope, that will invite questions about my faith and my Lord, and I should be ready (see 1 Peter 3:15).
P) Father, Your Kingdom is everlasting, and it is present on earth even now. Just as Jesus preached, that the Kingdom of God was at hand, He brought a new understanding that the Kingdom is in our hearts, when we commit our lives into Your hands, devoting ourselves to discipleship to Your Son. This is both beautiful and powerful. Open my eyes, Father, to more fully see Your will and plan, my part that You want me to play in Your Kingdom. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
S) "8 Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, 'There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from those of all other people and they do not observe the king’s laws, so it is not in the king’s interest to let them remain.'"
Esther 3:8 (NASB)
O) Villainous Haman is plotting against all of the sojourning, exiled Jews for two distinct reasons. First, because of historical bad blood, as he was an Agagite. Second, because of his spite, from the perceived disrespect by Mordecai (Esther's uncle, who had adopted her). This verse, in particular, reveals a very important concept, though. The Kingdom of God does not rely on an earthly king to lead it. The Kingdom is not defined by flags or politics. The Kingdom is not confined by borders. These people belong to the LORD, and no governing laws or captivity would change that. Their allegiance was not geographical, but spiritual. The Kingdom is, and has been, a counter-culture. It is a simul-kingdom, if you will, that exists alongside, or within, or overlaid atop another kingdom/government.
A) I need to remember, it is not an invisible Kingdom. Mordecai knew it existed, others knew throughout the exile, and today the Kingdom should be felt in my world as well. Mordecai was noticed because he refused to bow down before Haman (which was breaking a law, or possibly just a custom, but it was taken as disrespect). The New Testament makes it very clear, though, that I am to be in subjection to the ruling authorities over me, so long as they are not asking me to sin. So, I should be bold like Mordecai, but understand what could be at stake. At the very least, I should be prayerful, following the lead of the Holy Spirit, before I disobey governing authorities or break laws. But, my allegiance in God's Kingdom should be felt, even still. Particularly, it should be the shining light on the hill, about which Jesus talked. I should be a beacon of hope, that will invite questions about my faith and my Lord, and I should be ready (see 1 Peter 3:15).
P) Father, Your Kingdom is everlasting, and it is present on earth even now. Just as Jesus preached, that the Kingdom of God was at hand, He brought a new understanding that the Kingdom is in our hearts, when we commit our lives into Your hands, devoting ourselves to discipleship to Your Son. This is both beautiful and powerful. Open my eyes, Father, to more fully see Your will and plan, my part that You want me to play in Your Kingdom. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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