THE STORY OF JESUS: Esther 3:1-6
“Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews.” (Esther 1:6)
This makes me think of Tevye’s words in The Fiddler on the Roof”.
‘I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can’t You choose someone else?’
The Jews seem to often be the target of extermination attempts, as recent as the last century.
There have been other attempts to eradicate a people (genocide), the apex of sin and hate.
I am living in a place and time when Christians are free, even if we have lost our prominence.
But in many parts of the world, Christians also face violence and death.
It seems the numbers of Christians being killed is rising: “The 12-month reporting period ending 31 Oct., 2015 shows an overall increase in the numbers of Christians killed for faith-related reasons and churches attacked, in comparison to last year. The 2015 World Watch List reported 4,344 Christians killed for faith-related reasons and 1,062 churches attacked. The 2016 list documents 7,106 killed and 2,425 churches attacked.” (Catholic World Report)
Granted, there have been times when Christians have been violent and murderous as well.
But the “rage of Haman” seems to be an enduring theme throughout the ages.
And it makes more sense when read in light of Revelation 12.
“Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” (Revelation 12:12)
The devil is taking down as many as he can with him.
Today’s reading reminds me to remember those who are persecuted, tortured and martyred for their faith.
“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13:3)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I can only imagine what it must be like to face persecution and death like this. Many people around the world live it every day. Please give them relief today.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observations/Application
Vashti did not obey the whims of the king.
Mordecai did not bow down to Haman.
Esther did not obey Mordecai at first
Mordecai and Esther put their trust where? There is no mention of God – not in their actions nor in the whole book of Esther. And yet . . .
God uses His own His wonders to perform.
Haman works his desires on the king and influences the king getting his own way without the king in the know. And Mordecai becomes his stumbling block refusing to bow down to this Agagite. Esther finally also gave in to Mordecai’s demands and would use her position and appear before the king only after the people had fasted.
We act because of function or form?
Whom do I trust? Rituals or Christ?
Trust always in Christ alone.
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied –
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine –
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.