Vengeance Through God 06.16.08

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It is Monday June 16, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of Esther. Please read Chapters 8-10 in your Bible or Click Here to read.
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Today we will read and learn about Esther's plea to reverse Haman's decree, the destruction of the enemies of the Jews, the Feast of Purim, and Mordecai's promotion to great honor. Today's reading focuses on the importance of realizing that when the world says "I will get even" the Christian knows that vengeance belongs only to the One True God who is the Righteous Judge of all.

Haman appeared to be invincible, and his decree to execute all the Jews seemed final. The law had been established, and the decree had been approved by the Persian king. Under the law of the Medes and the Persians, a decree could not be altered, not even by the king. 

However, following Haman's execution, Esther pleaded before the king to have the decree reversed. "And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews. Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, And said, If it please the king, and if I have favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces:" (Esther 8:3-5)

The king allowed Mordecai to write a new decree giving the Jews the right to defend themselves. "Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey, Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar." (8:11-12).

The determined day of execution, which is known as Purim, turned from death to deliverance, and the Jews have celebrated it each year for centuries. The Feast of Purim is a testimony to the fact that what seems to be chance and good luck to some is in reality ordered by the Almighty Controller of world affairs. The Book of Esther demonstrates how God uses faithful servants to change world affairs in order to fulfill His Word.

In days of peace and prosperity, we are prone to be less concerned about the presence of God, but when our situation seems critical and we seek His presence, He wonderfully intervenes and we praise Him for His merciful protection and provision.

Esther is a testimony to the fact that, even in a secular society dominated by a heathen power, our God can protect His people, but He expects us, like Esther, to respond courageously in faith to the threats of the Hamans of this world.

The peace and satisfaction enjoyed by Mordecai and Esther can only be experienced by those who share our Lord's compassion for a lost world.  

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Mordecai's exaltation from servanthood to a position of honor and glory next to the king (Esther 8:2,15; 10:3). Christ came to earth as a servant and was exalted to the right hand of God (Philippians 2:7-9)  

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
The cares of this world often press in on us and weigh our hearts down. It's not your desire that we carry a heavy load because You are the Burden Bearer. You use the difficult circumstances of our lives to bring glory to Yourself as You bring us in a closer relationship with You. Our faith is strengthened and our understanding deepened as You take the evil that Satan hurls at us and turn it into a glorious occasion for Your power to be released and for deliverance to take place. You led us into battle, but You will also lead us to a great victory. In Jesus' name.....Amen.  

Have a wonderful day and week! Gods Bless  

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