SCRIPTURE: Esther 8
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The decree was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the king’s signet ring. Mordecai sent the dispatches by swift messengers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king’s service. The king’s decree gave the Jews in every city authority to unite to defend their lives. They were allowed to kill, slaughter, and annihilate anyone of any nationality or province who might attack them or their children and wives, and to take the property of their enemies. [Esther 8:10-11]
The Jews were filled with joy and gladness and were honoured everywhere. [Esther 8:16]
Through Xerxes’ signet ring, God places His seal of protection on the Jews.
In the official decree, the name of the Jewish people was written, having the backing and protection of the king behind them.
Even though the original decree still stood (that people could kill the Jews on that day), this latest decree made it clear that the king did not support those who would try to kill the Jews; he was on their side!
No wonder the Jews rejoiced; no wonder non-Jews converted, out of fear for the king!
When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” [Luke 10:17-20]
Interesting parallel; the disciples have been authorized to stand up to the forces of evil, and they have the backing of the King of the Universe.
Their names are written in God’s decree, and therefore they can rejoice!
Jesus does not want the disciples to delight in the power they have, but rather in God’s support and backing.
Similarly it was not because the Jews now had a chance to kill people that they rejoiced, but because God was on their side (through the king), and their names were written on the decree with His seal of protection!
I do not like defeating people, I do not enjoy seeing people suffer (even those who caused suffering).
But I am thankful, and I do rejoice, that God has made it certain that those who trust in Him will be honoured, and those that commit crimes against others will be thwarted.
The enemy has been defeated; the decree that unleashed evil in this world has been overcome by a greater decree, one that unleashes justice and mercy and forgiveness and freedom in the world.
Yes, when snakes and scorpions (symbols of Satan’s power) threaten us, we can stand up to them in confidence, knowing that Satan has been defeated and the final victory is ours!
God has decreed it, and it will be so, we can believe it!
This world is a war zone; people all around us are assaulted by evil, many are slaves and struggling in misery.
We are sent out into this war zone, and the enemy is blustering and threatening and scaring.
But we go forward in faith; we stand up for the oppressed and the enslaved; we oppose evil and speak the truth against the lie; we are agents of the King, with His backing (power and authority).
With His help, we can stand up to any threat or challenge, and ultimately we will overcome!
We have every reason to speak and serve with confidence, because God is on our side.
We have every reason to persevere in hope, because God has issued a decree; His cause will succeed.
We have every reason to resist Satan, because He has fallen, He is defeated, His days are numbered!
PRAYER:
Lord, I need to reinforce this perspective in my heart and mind when it seems that evil and difficulty and misery have the upper hand. When I see bad things, help me to see beyond them to Your ultimate victory, and Your decree which cannot be revoked. Nothing can separate us from Your love!