SCRIPTURE: Esther 6-10
Sadness turned into joy, a reason to celebrate.
We have just come through Christmas, a time very similar to the Jewish Feast of Purim.
To celebrate as a time of joy, to enjoy good food, to give presents to each other, and gifts to the poor.
But these are just the garnishes, the main course is the victory itself, the rest from their enemies.
Most of us probably cannot relate to what it was for the Jews to be persecuted like this, and then to be liberated.
But we have our own enemy(ies), and we have our own burdens and struggles that threaten and ruin us.
We have a spiritual enemy that is plotting our downfall, and is good at what he does.
We have a spiritual sickness (sin) that infects and undermines all that we do.
We have a spiritual curse (death) that hangs over all our heads, giving us a destiny of doom.
But God has stepped in, God has intervened, God has given us a Saviour greater than Mordecai and Esther.
Mordecai and Esther bought a little time with their faith, but eventually the Jews were persecuted again.
But Jesus has bought eternity for us: He has defeated Satan, overcome sin, and risen in triumph over death.
Because of Jesus, our sadness has been turned to joy we have a reason to celebrate ALWAYS!
May our Christmas celebrations be more than the garnish, may it be the main course – Jesus Christ.
Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King…
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, You have brought joy into a world cursed by sadness. You have brought hope to the hopeless, freedom for the enslaved, life for the dying, victory for the defeated, destiny for the lost. May I celebrate this every day!
Observations/Application
Ironic.
The man he was to impale he had to lead Mordecai through the streets honouring him. What he wanted for himself he had to give to another. God moves in mysterious ways.
God places His people in the right place at the right time and we don’t even know it! He did this to Esther and Mordecai – used them as His champions so that His kingdom would come. God stepped in.
He stepped n also with Jesus Christ – saving His people from their sins. The mourning of the people has turned into gladness because God saved the people from their sins. Death was no longer the victor but Christ Jesus was and still is! What a Saviour!
As the evil was defeated then, God still defeats the enemy today because our Saviour reigns. Every day is Christmas Day because Jesus Christ is the Victor. He has overcome because He arose. I need to give Him the tribute each and every day because He gives the power of all of what I do and say.
Prayer
Help me this day to be Your champion Lord. Use me as an instrument of Your peace. May my words always speak for the welfare of Your Kingdom and its people. Lead me and guide me in Your Way.
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising,
Give me joy in my heart, I pray;
Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising,
Keep mepraising till the break of day.
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King of kings!
Sing hosanna,sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King!
Give me peace in my heart, keep me loving,
Give me peace in my heart,I pray;
Give me peace in my heart, keep me loving,
Keep me loving till the break of day:
Give me love in myheart, keep me serving,
Give me love in my heart, I pray;
Give me love in my heart, keep me serving,
Keep me serving till the break ofday:
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King of kings!
Sing hosanna, singhosanna,
Sing hosanna to the King!