S) "17 In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king’s commandment and
his decree arrived, there was gladness and joy for the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them."
Esther 8:17 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Esther 8
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Esther 8
O) The king's decree to attack the Jews could not be revoked, since it had been sealed with his signet ring (which was a matter of security and authority). So, to protect the Jews, Mordecai issued a new decree, announcing that the Jews would be allowed to assemble, and arm themselves, and defend their people and property. They had plenty of time to prepare, which secured their lives. There are some more details about that part of the story in ch.9, but what also caught my eye in this chapter, was the closing line. Many among the peoples of the land became Jews. God has always been inclusive, but it has always been qualified. It was not restricted by race, but by willingness to live under His laws, according to His ways. In this case, the people around the Jews saw that their God was real, and that fear humbled them.
A) In my own life, this was akin to realizing that I could not succeed in my own plans, my own way. When I realized that my plans, my ways, were in direct opposition to God's ways, I had a conflict that required immediate resolution. I could either fight God, struggling against truth I knew was bigger than me, or I could submit to Him. Realizing I couldn't beat Him, I joined Him (to put it mildly). That process of evaluation and submission is not a one time event. I must remember to do this everyday. If I am not correctly viewing my life choices, big and small, then they will lead to irrevocable damages.
P) Father, thank You for the grace You showed, when You opened my eyes to see the truth of my situation. There were no dramatic cataclysms in my way, but You showed me how bad my future could be. Not only that, You made me understand the inevitability of that ending. I don't want to take anything for granted, though. Please continue to lead me by the Holy Spirit. Warn me of the dangers ahead, and how my current choices and allegiances are affecting that. Show me where I have stopped being fully submitted to You. Humble me, that I would realize everyday, that I would know everyday, that being with You, being one of Your people, is the only place I ever want to be. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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