Read Esther 1
Highlights:
Vashti removed as queen; Esther made queen; Mordecai thwarts plot against king; Haman's plot to destroy all Jews.
There was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai . . . who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity . . . And he brought up . . . Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful (Esth. 2:5-7).
In his search for a new queen and because she was beautiful, Esther was taken to the king's house, along with other maidens, to be either a slave or his wife. Her consent was not asked. Neither she nor Mordecai had any choice in the decision; they were mere subjects of a powerful dictator.
Later, the overruling hand of God thwarted the schemes and power of the wicked prime minister, Haman, and at the same time, brought His faithful servants, Mordecai and Esther, to influential positions in the kingdom. At times it may seem that the ungodly have the easier path in life, which may be true to some extent. However, always remember, that God is in control of these situations. It is He that holds our lives in His hands. Life for those in Christ does not end at death. If the victory does not come to the righteous here on earth, they gain it in the life to come in their eternal home in heaven. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto them also that love His appearing (II Tim. 4:8).
Sometimes we may feel like a slave — the victim of circumstances beyond our control — and wish for another position where we could "do something more for the Lord." But when we are faithful to the Lord in the position He has placed us — no matter how lowly — there is no need to fear we are missing God's best. We can serve Him faithfully where we are and praise Him for each thing He allows to come into our life. Remember, God wants to prepare us for greater usefulness. God is nurturing us into the place of service He has selected for us. As long as we keep our lives in harmony with His will, God will carry us to the purpose He chooses for our lives. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it (I Thess. 5:24).
Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling . . . That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ might be glorified in you (II Thess. 1:11-12).
Thought for Today:
It is through prayer and the Word of God that we receive strength to resist temptation.
Christ Portrayed:
By Mordecai, who adopted Esther (Esth. 2:15). We are adopted into the family of God by Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5; I John 3:1). Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:26).
Word Studies:
1:10 chamberlains, officials; 2:16 Tebeth compares with our December/January; 3:8 to suffer them, to let them remain; 3:13 Adar compares with our February/March; 3:15 posts, special messengers.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Government Official: Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA) • Country: Honduras (6 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects • Religious freedom • 86% Roman Catholic; 10% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others, knowing that God hears your prayer (II Chr. 30:18-20).
Optional Reading: Galatians 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Ecclesiastes 5:4